Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby condemns ‘appalling loss of innocent lives’ after huge blast destroyed Baptist Hospital in Gaza – leaving ‘at least 500’ dead
The Archbishop of Canterbury has condemned the ‘appalling loss of innocent lives’ after a huge overnight blast destroyed a Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, with fears growing that more than 500 people are dead.
The explosion tore through the al-Ahli Hospital last night, while it was being used to treat and shelter thousands of civilians as the fierce fighting between Hamas and Israel continues.
Outraged by the attack, to which no one has claimed responsibility, Justin Welby wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: ‘This is an appalling and devastating loss of innocent lives. The Ahli hospital is run by the Anglican church.
‘I mourn with our brothers and sisters – please pray for them. I renew my appeal for civilians to be protected in this devastating war. May the Lord God have mercy.’
Rescue efforts are now underway to help find what is thought to be scores of people trapped under the rubble.
The explosion tore through the al-Ahli Hospital last night with fears growing that more than 500 people have been killed
Injured Palestinians taken to Al-Shifa Hospital following an air strike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said he ‘mourn(s) with our brothers and sisters’ following last night’s attack on a Baptist Hospital
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has condemned the ‘appalling and devastating loss of innocent lives’
The devastating fireball has resulted in a blame game between Hamas and Israel, with both venomously denying it was not their fault.
Palestinian officials claim the explosion caused by an Israeli Defence Force (IDF) air strike. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have said the devastation was caused by a ‘failed’ rocket launched by Islamic Jihad.
The terrorist group called Israel’s accusation ‘baseless’, while the Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, dismissed the claim as ‘lies’.
The Foreign Secretary has said that the UK will investigate the destruction of the hospital.
James Cleverly said: ‘The destruction of Al Ahli hospital is a devastating loss of human life. The UK has been clear. The protection of civilian life must come first.
‘The UK will work with our allies to find out what has happened and protect innocent civilians in Gaza.’
Last night horrified doctors stood among a sea of children killed after the blast tore through the hospital.
The horrific scenes come as US President Joe Biden makes his way to Israel in hopes of showing support for Israel and preventing the war from spreading.
Doctors stand outside al-Shifa hospital surrounded by a sea of dead children brought in from nearby al-Ahli hospital after the explosion
Bodies of those killed in the blast were covered in white sheets and placed by the dozen in tents
Among those wounded in the explosion were children, women and patients at the hospital. Pictured: A child at al-Shifa hospital after the fireball at al-Ahli hospital
But the explosion has plunged his trip into chaos, with his planned meeting with the president of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas, and leaders from Egypt and Jordan being cancelled by the Arab nations in protest.
President Biden is the latest in a flurry of diplomatic visits to the area, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visiting earlier this week and Foreign Secretary Mr Cleverly’s visit to the war-torn nation last week.
Rishi Sunak could also travel to Israel as soon as Thursday, Sky News reported yesterday.
The Prime Minister may visit Tel Aviv to discuss the situation in Gaza as part of a visit to the Middle East, which could also include stop offs in Egypt and Jordan.
Downing Street would not comment publicly on the Prime Minister’s travel plans.
It comes after a British teenager was confirmed as one of the many murdered during Hamas’s attack on Israel.
Yahel Sharabi, 13, was killed along with her mother, Lianne, while her elder sister, Noiya, 16, and her father, Eli, are still missing.
At least six Britons were killed in the Hamas attacks on October 7, with a further 10 missing – some feared dead. At least 1,400 people died overall and thousands more were injured.
Joe Biden is expected to arrive in Israel today to meet Israeli officials
Last week the Foreign Secretary met survivors of the attacks and senior Israeli leaders to underline the UK’s solidarity
James Cleverly had to be taken to shelter in Ofakim as he experienced the ongoing threat at first hand last week
At least 2,778 Palestinians have died and thousands more wounded as Israel launched air strikes on Gaza and cut off fuel, water, food and medical supplies from entering the cramped territory, which is home to more than two million people.
The UK has urged Israel to restore the supply of water to Gaza, with No 10 declining to say whether its ally is complying with international law during its siege.
‘We continue to urge Israel, as a democracy we work closely with, to act within international law in their actions, I think they are taking steps to do that,’ the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.
Israeli air strikes continued early on Tuesday, even inside the evacuation zone where Israel had told residents to gather in advance of the expected ground assault on Gaza.
More than 900 people have been brought back from Israel and all UK nationals registered with the Foreign Office and wanting to leave have been allocated seats, it is understood.
British officials are working to secure the opening of the Rafah crossing to allow UK citizens to flee to Egypt and for humanitarian aid to get into Gaza.
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