In a shocking incident earlier today, Israel struck an ambulance in Gaza City, generating widespread controversy and resulting in numerous casualties. The Israeli military claimed that the ambulance was being used by militants, while health authorities in the Hamas-controlled enclave insisted that it was evacuating wounded individuals from the besieged northern region to the south of Gaza.

According to Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesperson for the health ministry in Gaza, the targeted ambulance was part of a convoy leaving al-Shifa Hospital. Qidra stated that the strike occurred at multiple locations, including the hospital gate and Ansar Square, around a kilometer away. He reported that "a big number" of individuals were killed and wounded in the attack, without providing specific figures.

The Israeli military justified the strike by asserting that the ambulance was being used by a Hamas terrorist cell operating in the battle zone. While Israel claimed that a number of Hamas fighters were killed in the attack, no evidence was presented to support the assertion that the targeted ambulance was linked to the group. Israel did, however, state its intention to release additional information in due course.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed his shock and dismay over reports of attacks on ambulances evacuating patients in a social media post. Ghebreyesus emphasized the imperative need to protect patients, health workers, and medical facilities.

The incident took place following Israel's order for all civilians to leave the northern areas of Gaza, accusing Hamas of concealing command centers and tunnel entrances in al-Shifa Hospital. Israel's military encircled the region on Thursday, intensifying the tensions in the area. It is worth noting, however, that despite the order for civilians to evacuate the north, Israel's military continued to bombard the south of Gaza as well.

Hamas and al-Shifa hospital authorities vehemently denied the Israeli allegations, refuting any claims that the hospital is being used as a base for militant fighters.

Disturbing videos circulating on social media, which have been verified by Reuters, show the aftermath of the attack. In one video, individuals can be seen lying in blood next to an ambulance with flashing lights on a city street, while in another, three ambulances stand in a line, surrounded by motionless or barely moving people, with pools of blood nearby.

The international community awaits further information and investigations into this tragic incident, as the debate over the targeting of ambulances and the protection of civilians intensifies amidst escalating tensions in the region.