Islamabad, A devastating airstrike by Israel on a hospital in Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 500 individuals, encompassing both patients and displaced Palestinians who had sought refuge within the facility. This harrowing incident has marked the highest death toll in a single event amidst the ongoing unrest, sparking demonstrations in the occupied West Bank, Istanbul, and Amman. Palestinian Authority’s health minister, Mai Alkaila, has labeled it as an act of mass slaughter by Israel.

Attributing the catastrophic event, Israeli Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari pointed fingers at rockets fired by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. However, the group fervently refuted claims of their involvement in any activities in Gaza city during the incident.

The sheer magnitude of the casualties has drawn sharp criticism from international leaders, particularly on the brink of U.S. President Joe Biden’s impending visit to Israel. President Biden conveyed his profound sorrow and stern disapproval of the strike, echoing sentiments voiced by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who branded the act as horrific and wholly inexcusable.

Taking to Twitter, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his horror, underscoring that hospitals and medical staff hold protection under international humanitarian law.

In light of the grim circumstances, the United Nations Security Council is poised to deliberate on the tragic event, prompted by requests from Russia and the UAE. The council is also slated to cast votes on a resolution, proposed by Brazil, which seeks to introduce humanitarian pauses in the ongoing conflict, thereby facilitating the seamless delivery of aid to the embattled Gaza Strip. The content was made available to the public through a press statement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan.