500 feared dead after blasts strike Gaza hospital

Israel and Hamas blame each other for devastation

- CHRIS HUGHES 

ISRAEL was last night accused of killing 500 Palestinians in an air strike on a hospital, as each side blamed the other.

The Al-Ahli medical centre in central Gaza was engulfed in flames, with bodies lying in the dirt amid a scene of bloody carnage.

But Israel quickly accused Palestinian Islamic Jihad of firing a rocket at Israel, which failed and hit the hospital - where 4,000 displaced locals were said to have been seeking refuge, gambling on it being safer than their homes.

In five wars since 2008, Israel has not launched such a devastating attack on Palestinians.

It came hours before today's emergency visit to Israel by US President Joe Biden, aimed at containing the conflict.

Hamas health chiefs posted images of the attack online.

The extremist network, which has ruled Gaza for 16 years, called it a "horrific massacre" over a week since its fighters launched a rape, torture and killing spree in Israel. The Israeli Defence Forces claim the blast was caused by an enemy rocket barrage launched towards Israel, which passed in the vicinity of the hospital, when it was hit".

A spokesman added: "According to intelligence information, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist organisation is responsible for the failed fire that hit the hospital."

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared three days or mourning after the horror and cancelled his participation in today's meeting with President Biden and other leaders.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak could visit Israel as soon as tomorrow, according to reports.

The Al-Ahli hospital is funded by the Anglican Church.

Canon Richard Sewell, Dean of St George's College, Jerusalem, said: "The hospital has taken a direct hit from an Israeli missile.