African Union, South Africa fume, condemn Israel over Gaza hospital bloodshed

In a statement on Wednesday, the Chairperson of the African Union as well as the South African government condemned Israel over the blast that killed about 500 people at the Al Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza.

They said targeting a hospital considered a safe place under International Humanitarian Law, is a war crime.

African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said in a statement that “There are no words to fully express our condemnation of Israel’s bombing of a Gaza hospital today, killing hundreds of people.

“Targeting a hospital, considered a safe haven under International Humanitarian Law, is a war crime. The International Community must act now.” The AU Chairperson said.

South Africa’s foreign ministry made a similar statement, saying “Just as the attack by Hamas on civilians in Israel was abhorrent, there are no words to fully express South Africa’s condemnation of Israel’s bombing of the Ahli Arab Baptist hospital on 17 October, killing well over 500 people and injuring over 1,000,” it said.

“The targeting of a hospital considered a safe haven under International Humanitarian Law is a war crime.”

South Africa has been vocal against Tel Aviv’s atrocities in occupied Palestinian territories.

Earlier on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor held talks with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on how to get humanitarian aid to Palestinians, according to a statement.

The hospital blast in Gaza also triggered anger in several African countries

In Tunisia, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied outside the French embassy in the capital, Tunis.

They condemned Western countries for backing Israel in the latest violent clashes which they blamed for the attack on the Al Ahli hospital.

No fewer than 3,478 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while 1,400 lives on the Israeli sides have been taken in the renewed hostilities.