MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / July 22, 2014) – The International Committee of the Red Cross has condemned the shelling Tuesday of the Al Aqsa hospital in Deir El Balah, Gaza, which killed at least four people and injured scores of others.
It said the hospital came under direct fire at least four times. The surgical ward, the intensive care unit and pieces of life-saving equipment were all severely damaged, disrupting essential medical services.
An ICRC team visited the location and evaluated the damage, human and material, in order to bring immediate help and support, it added.
“This incident is yet another illustration of the dangers faced by health care personnel, patients, ambulances and hospitals, in the current conflict in Gaza.Even in the midst of warfare, people must be able to receive medical care in safety,” said Christian Cardon, the head of the ICRC’s sub-delegation in Gaza, in a statement sent by ICRC to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
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