WHO condemns Friday attacks in Gaza Strip near 3 hospitals

By Zehra Nur Duz

ANKARA (AA) – The World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday condemned Israel's attacks near the Al-Shifa, Al-Quds, and Indonesian hospitals in the Gaza Strip.

“Attacks on health care, including the targeting of hospitals and restricting the delivery of essential aid such as medical supplies, fuel, and water, may amount to violations of International Humanitarian Law,” the UN agency said in a statement.

The WHO reiterated its call for an “immediate” cease-fire, stressing the “urgent” need to protect all health workers, patients, health transport, and health facilities.

The Israeli army on Friday targeted the main gate of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, according to an Anadolu correspondent at the scene.

The Israeli military said it hit ambulances, meters away from the Al-Shifa Hospital, claiming that it was used by Palestinian group Hamas. Hamas has denied the claims.

At least 13 people were killed and 26 others injured by the Israeli attack, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.

The strikes on or near hospitals joined a number of Israeli army attacks in recent weeks damaging or destroying civilian buildings, attacks which apparently violate the rules of war and have drawn international outrage.

This week the Israeli army expanded its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since a surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Nearly 11,000 people have been killed in the conflict, including 9,488 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis.