Burak Bir
18 October 2023•Update: 18 October 2023
LONDON
Ireland has called for holding to account those responsible for Tuesday's deadly strike on a Gaza hospital that killed hundreds of people.
"I am appalled by the strike on Al Ahli hospital and the deaths of hundreds of patients, staff and civilians taking shelter," Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said in a statement sent to Anadolu by his ministry.
The full facts of what happened "must be established," he said, adding that the perpetrators "must be held to account."
Expressing concern over the rising civilian casualties and suffering due to the ongoing conflict, Martin pointed out the need for a humanitarian cease-fire to allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
"Hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. The international community must work urgently to de-escalate this situation," he added.
More than 500 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital on Tuesday, according to Palestinian officials in the besieged enclave. Israel, however, has denied responsibility for the air raid.
The conflict began on Oct. 7 when 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. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
UN chief Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”
At least 3,300 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.
