Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have resulted in significant casualties and destruction, including the deaths of 22 people who had sought shelter at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) compound.
On Saturday, the ICRC reported that heavy-calibre projectiles landed within meters of its office and residences in Gaza. The organization emphasized the need for all parties to take precautions to avoid harm to civilians and humanitarian facilities. The ICRC’s office, surrounded by hundreds of displaced civilians living in tents, was damaged in the attack, leading to a mass casualty influx at the nearby Red Cross Field Hospital.
In addition to the casualties at the Red Cross compound, Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza killed at least 39 people on Saturday, according to Palestinian and hospital officials. Rescue workers are still attempting to find survivors under the rubble. The strikes targeted the al-Shati neighborhood and the al-Tuffah district, both densely populated areas, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their strikes targeted Hamas “military infrastructure sites” in Gaza City. The IDF also announced that an initial inquiry found no direct attack was carried out against the Red Cross facility and that the incident would be “quickly examined.”
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the attack on the ICRC and called for an independent investigation to hold those responsible accountable. The call for accountability was echoed by other international officials and organizations.
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