Sweden says hundreds of civilian deaths in Gaza hospital attack 'horrifying'

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Sweden has called for following the laws of war in the wake of Tuesday's Israeli airstrike on a hospital in Gaza that killed hundreds of people.

"The laws of war apply, and all relevant parties must follow them. The laws of war are crystal clear: hospitals and civilians must be protected," Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said in a statement sent to Anadolu by his ministry.

Defining the strike as an “atrocious attack,” he said the large number of civilian deaths at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital was "horrifying."​​​​​​​

At least 471 people were killed and 342 injured in the Israeli airstrike on the hospital, the Gaza Health Ministry said Wednesday.

Israel has denied responsibility for the strike.

Billstrom also stressed the importance of de-escalation "as soon as possible."

"The EU and Sweden see no peaceful way forward other than a negotiated two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine co-existing in peace and security," he added.

Gaza is currently experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.

The conflict began on Oct. 7 when the Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire to ease the “epic human suffering.”

At least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while more than 1,400 Israelis have been killed since the start of the operation.