Israel 'bombarded' a maternity ward in a hospital in Gaza City, says health ministry

Israeli air strikes hit a maternity ward in a hospital in Gaza City, the enclave's health ministry said on Wednesday.

Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra told reporters the maternity ward in Gaza’s main al-Shifa Hospital was transferred to Tharwat al-Helou Hospital, which was subsequently “bombarded” despite being filled with women and medical staff.

“We call on the international community to urgently intervene to stop Israel and protect hospitals, medical staff, and patients before the [Al-Ahli Hospital] massacre is repeated," said Qudra, referring to the destruction of Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza on 17 October, which cost hundreds of lives.

Meanwhile, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said Israel was striking targets in the vicinity of Al-Quds Hospital on Wednesday evening:

🚨 For over two hours, the area around Al-Quds Hospital 🏥 in the Tel Al-Hawa in #Gaza has intense shelling, with loud explosions heard, causing a state of panic and fear among the hospital teams and over 14,000 displaced individuals.#Gaza_under_attack #NotATarget
— PRCS (@PalestineRCS) November 1, 2023