By Trend News Line 2024-03-28 08:06:07.
Details of the Attack
The attack on the Doctors Without Borders aid shelter in Al-Mawasi, Gaza, on Feb. 20 shocked the world. The shelter, housing 64 people, was hit by an Israeli tank shell, resulting in the tragic deaths of two relatives of a staff member and injuring seven others. Despite the shelter being clearly marked and the Israeli forces being informed of its location, the attack still took place. The Israeli army claimed there was “terror activity” at the site, a claim vehemently denied by the MSF.
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Sky News Investigation
Following the incident, Sky News conducted an investigation into the attack, using on-the-ground footage, interviews with witnesses, and experts in weapons analysis. The evidence gathered suggested that the attack was initiated by a tank shell that entered through a window, causing extensive damage to the shelter. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire before the building was hit, further adding to the confusion surrounding the incident.
Response from Doctors Without Borders
Meinie Nicolai, the general director of Doctors Without Borders, visited the site soon after the attack and confirmed that bullets were fired at the front of the shelter. The aid organization refuted any allegations of terror activity occurring in their structures and emphasized that the shelter was used by humanitarian personnel and their families, clearly identified by an MSF flag and notified to the Israeli authorities. The MSF expressed outrage and deep sadness over the killings, highlighting the dangerous reality faced by civilians in Gaza.
Israeli Defense Forces Investigation
The Israeli Defense Forces launched their own examination into the incident, following the revelations from the Sky News investigation. The IDF stated that they fired at a building where terror activity was occurring but did not provide any evidence to support their claim. The IDF expressed regret over the harm caused to civilians and reiterated their commitment to operating in a precise and accurate manner. However, international humanitarian law dictates that medical facilities and units must be respected and protected in all circumstances, raising questions about the legality of the attack.
International Response
The international community has condemned the attack on the Doctors Without Borders aid shelter, with experts warning that targeting a civilian object, such as a medical facility, could potentially constitute a war crime. Oona Hathaway, an international law professor, emphasized that medical facilities are presumed to be civilian objects and should not be targeted during armed conflict. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of humanitarian personnel and the need for greater protection of medical facilities in conflict zones.
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Escalating Tensions in Gaza
The attack on the aid shelter comes amidst escalating tensions in Gaza, with the IDF launching an operation in and around Al-Shifa, targeting senior Hamas operatives. The military reported a high number of Palestinian militants killed and arrested in the operation, further exacerbating the volatile situation in the region. The ongoing violence and insecurity in Gaza highlight the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire..
– Doctors Without Borders rejects Israeli army claim of ‘terror activity’ at site of deadly attack in Gaza
– Doctors Without Borders disputes Israeli army’s allegations of ‘terror activity’ at site of deadly attack in Gaza.
