Over 500 people were killed and the huge explosion that tore through a Gaza hospital drew essential condemnation all over the globe. While Hamas claimed Israel launched airstrikes on defenseless Gazans, Israel claimed that a missile launched by Islamic Jihad, a group connected to Hamas, misfired and struck the hospital.
Irrespective of the claims and rejects, the victims of the explosion were hospitalized, children and elderly people.
“I’m horrified to see the bombing of al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza and unequivocally condemn it,” Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai said in a video statement.
“My voice is joining the cries for peace coming from Israel, Palestine, and throughout the world. Collective punishment is not the solution. Since half of Gaza’s population is under 18, it is unfair for them to spend the remainder of their lives under bombardment and an unjust occupation, Ms. Yousafzai said.
She urged the Israeli government to allow humanitarian supplies to reach Gaza, announcing that she would donate $300,000 (about Rs 2.5 crore) to three organizations aiding the Palestinian people in their hour of need and urging others to support these groups as well.
The Nobel laureate called on governments to start working for a lasting peace and an immediate cease-fire.
Global Condemnation
As he was visiting Israel, US President Joe Biden supported the country’s assertion that an Islamic Jihad rocket misfired and struck the hospital. However, he also denounced the act, saying, “I was deeply saddened and outraged by the explosion at the hospital in Gaza yesterday.”
Speaking at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his “deep shock at the tragic loss of lives” and said, “Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern.” It is necessary to hold those responsible.”
