UNICEF ‘strongly condemns’ bombardment of Gaza Strip hospital

UNICEF “strongly” condemned the strike on a hospital Tuesday in the blockaded Gaza Strip that killed more than 500 people.

The bombardment was allegedly conducted by Israeli forces, although the regime says it was a result of a failed rocket launch by Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

“UNICEF strongly condemns the strike on the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza wherein hundreds of civilians are reported killed & injured,” Executive Director Catherine Russell wrote on X.

“We call for the protection of all civilians, including children, and the infrastructure they rely on. We need an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access,” she added.

More than 500 people were killed in the alleged Israeli airstrike Tuesday night, Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra told news agencies.

Footage showed bodies scattered across the hospital grounds.

The airstrike came on day 11 in the conflict, with a growing international chorus of non-governmental groups and world leaders saying the Israeli bombing campaign on the besieged enclave — including health care facilities, homes and houses of worship — violates international law and may constitute a war crime.