Israel strikes ambulance in Gaza City, many reported killed

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that he was "utterly shocked by reports of attacks on ambulances"

GAZA:

Israel struck an ambulance in Gaza City on Friday that health authorities in the Hamas-controlled enclave said was evacuating wounded people from the besieged north to the south of the territory.

Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesperson for the health ministry in Gaza, said the ambulance was part of a convoy that Israel targeted leaving al-Shifa Hospital, adding that "a big number" were killed and wounded but without giving figures.

Qidra said Israel had targeted the convoy of ambulances in more than one location, including at al-Shifa Hospital gate and at Ansar Square a kilometer (0.6 miles) away.

Israeli army confirms it bombed ambulance outside al-Shifa Hospital, claiming it was being used by Hamas https://t.co/V1OTGWIeCW

— Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) November 3, 2023

Israel's military said it had identified and hit an ambulance "being used by Hamas" in the battle zone.

It said a number of Hamas fighters had been killed in the strike and accused the group of transferring both fighters and weapons in ambulances.

Read More: Gaza patients at risk in 'indescribable' situation – WHO

It gave no evidence to support its assertion that the ambulance was linked to Hamas but said in a statement it intended to release additional information.

World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a social media post he was "utterly shocked by reports of attacks on ambulances evacuating patients", adding that patients, health workers and medical facilities must be protected.

Utterly shocked by reports of attacks on ambulances evacuating patients close to Al-Shifa hospital in #Gaza, leading to deaths, injuries and damage.

We reiterate: patients, health workers, facilities, and ambulances must be protected at all times. Always.

Ceasefire NOW.…

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) November 3, 2023