Israel Strikes Ambulance in Gaza as War Intensifies - Calls for Ceasefire Ignored

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
03/11/2023 20h06

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced that they conducted an airstrike on an ambulance in the northern Gaza Strip. The IDF claims that the ambulance was being used by a Hamas terrorist cell and that a number of Hamas fighters were killed in the strike. More detailed information about the incident was shared with allies, according to an IDF spokesperson.

The IDF spokesperson further stated that they had evidence demonstrating Hamas's practice of using ambulances to transport terrorists and weapons. They emphasized that the area is a battle zone and have repeatedly urged civilians to evacuate southwards for their own safety.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah's chief, Hassan Nasrallah, warned that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has the potential to escalate into a regional war. Nasrallah blamed the United States for the conflict, stating that America is entirely responsible for the war on Gaza, with Israel being a tool of execution. He called on the Americans to swiftly stop the aggression in order to prevent a larger regional conflict, suggesting that the US fleet and interests would be the first to suffer in such a scenario.

As tensions rise, Reuters verified a video showing bodies on a road south of Gaza City, which is currently under siege by Israeli forces. The footage highlighted the grim reality faced by Gazan civilians, with at least seven people appearing to be dead on the road. The video, filmed on the al-Rashid coast road between Gaza City and Wadi Gaza, depicted debris and personal belongings scattered around the victims, including a child. There were bloodstains on the road, and the person recording the video can be heard crying as he passed by the scene. Israel's military did not provide immediate comment on the video.

Additionally, France expressed astonishment and incomprehension following Israel's strike on the French Cultural Institute in Gaza. France's foreign minister, Catherine Colonna, called for explanations from Israeli authorities, seeking to understand how a French cultural institute could be targeted.

Amidst the deadly siege, various organizations including the World Health Organization, UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, UN Populations Fund, and UNICEF released a joint statement on the dire situation faced by women and newborns in Gaza. According to Ministry of Health data, as of November 3, a staggering number of women and children have been killed or injured, representing 67% of all casualties. The statement highlighted that approximately 50,000 pregnant women are estimated to be in Gaza, with over 180 giving birth every day. It emphasized the urgent need for additional medical care for the 15% likely to face pregnancy or birth-related complications.

As the conflict rages on, calls for a ceasefire have been ignored, with both sides remaining steadfast in their positions. The international community continues to seek solutions to de-escalate the situation, as the toll on civilians in Gaza continues to rise.

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