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On October 17, 2023, a devastating strike targeted the central Gaza-based al-Ahli hospital, known as al-Moamadani, resulting in a confirmed death toll of at least 500 individuals, as announced by the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Authorities expect this figure to rise as rescue and recovery operations continue. Palestinian officials have attributed the attack to Israeli forces. However, an Israeli military spokesperson, in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, attributed the incident to a failed rocket launch by Islamic Jihad that hit the hospital.

In accordance with international humanitarian law, all belligerents bear the responsibility of ensuring the utmost caution to spare civilian populations and non-military targets, minimizing both loss of life and damage to civilian property. Hospitals, given their vital role in saving lives, receive special protections beyond the standard safeguards accorded to other civilian entities. Any deliberate or reckless attack against them constitutes a war crime.

Lama Fakih, the Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch, conveyed her distressing remarks on the tragic event, stating: “The reported killing of more than 500 people in a strike on al-Ahli hospital in Gaza is horrific beyond words. Civilians seeking protection and care in hospitals must be protected, and those responsible should be held accountable. World leaders need to act to prevent large-scale atrocities and further loss of civilian life.” Human Rights Watch is currently conducting an investigation into the incident