A devastating explosion rocked a hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday, with Palestinian authorities reporting at least 500 killed. However, Israel has denied carrying out an air strike on the hospital, instead blaming a rocket misfire by Palestinian militant group Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).
The blast occurred at Gaza’s Al-Ahli Hospital, run by the Anglican church. PIJ was allegedly attempting to fire rockets at Israel but experienced a launch failure, causing the explosion according to Israeli military sources.
PIJ and Israel have exchanged rocket fire during the recent clashes in Gaza. With the region already on edge, the hospital tragedy threatens to inflame tensions further.
The White House announced Tuesday that President Biden has canceled a planned meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during Biden’s upcoming Middle East trip. Abbas declared three days of mourning following the Gaza hospital strike and said he would return to the West Bank.
As blame for the deadly Gaza hospital incident remains contested, the human toll is clear. With hundreds killed, the explosion demonstrates the immense danger conflict poses to civilians, hospitals, and infrastructure in the impoverished Gaza Strip. All parties must urgently prioritize de-escalation before the loss of life increases further.
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