Israel military confirms strike on Gaza ambulance, claims used by Hamas

The Israeli military confirmed it targeted an ambulance outside Gaza’s largest hospital Friday, claiming it was being used by Hamas while health officials said it was transporting the wounded.

Israeli “aircraft struck an ambulance that was identified by forces as being used by a Hamas terrorist cell in close proximity to their position in the battle zone,” a military statement said.

World Health Organisation Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was “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,” he said in a post.

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

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Friday Israel targeted a convoy of ambulances leaving Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

Israel’s military said on Friday it was looking into the report. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.

“We have informed the Red Cross in accordance with the international law about moving a convoy carrying injured people in ambulance vehicles from Al-Shifa hospital,” Ashraf Al-Qudra, the health ministry spokesman, said in a statement.

“At the gate of the hospital and then at the Ansar square, the occupation targeted the convoy in more than one location outside Al-Shifa hospital.”

The statement made no mention of any casualties. Hamas-affiliated Al-Aqsa TV had earlier quoted the ministry as saying scores and had been killed and injured.

Israel can get back captives through negotiations, says Hezbollah chief

Israel can get back captives held in Gaza through negotiations, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday in his first public comments since the Palestinian group Hamas and Israel went to war.

“What is happening in Gaza shows Israel’s foolishness and inability because what they are doing is killing children and women,” he said in a speech that was live streamed on Al Jazeera.

The speech is expected to be scrutinised for clues on how the group’s role in the conflict might evolve. A formidable military force backed by Iran, Hezbollah has been engaging Israeli forces along the border, where 55 of its fighters have been killed in the deadliest escalation since it fought a war with Israel in 2006.

He started his speech by praising “the fallen martyrs” of his group and the other groups fighting Israel, as well as the civilians killed.

“I start by offering my deepest condolences to the families of the fallen here in Lebanon, and at the same we congratulate you as your loved ones have won the honour of martyrdom.”

The Hezbollah chief offered condolences and congratulations to the families of those killed in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, according to the Qatar based news outlet.

He described the ‘Al-Aqsa Flood operation’ as an earthquake in Israel while saying that it had strategic and existential repercussions.

According to the Hezbollah chief, the attacked confirmed that Iran does not exercise any guardianship at all over the resistance factions and the real decision-makers were the leaders of the resistance.

“The great Al-Aqsa Flood operation was decided and implemented 100 percent Palestinian. Absolute secrecy is what ensured the success of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on October 7,” Nastallah said, “we were not bothered by Hamas’s concealment of the October 7 attack plan.”

He was of the view that conditions in Palestine in recent years had been extremely harsh.

He accused the US of being entirely responsible for the war in Gaza and described Israel as an “executive tool”.

Nasrallah went on to add that Israel could not offer a single military achievement, adding that Hamas’s operation established a new “historical phase” in the battle with Israel.

He called the Palestinian group’s decision to launch Al-Aqsa Flood right, “wise and courageous”. One of Israel’s biggest mistakes was setting goals that it cannot achieve, Nasrallah added.

According to Nasrallah, the ongoing battle in Gaza was not like previous one and urged everyone to bear the responsibility.

He outlined two goals: stop the war in Gaza and Hamas is victorious in this war.

He revealed that Hezbollah entered the battle on October 8, a day after Hamas launched its surprise attack in southern Israel.

He shared that 57 Hezbollah fighters have been killed so far.

Nasrallah called on Arab and Muslim states to cut all gas, oil and food supplies and exports to Israel.