As Israel’s attacks targeting civilians in Gaza continues to increase, the hospital attack, in which 500 people lost their lives, was condemned by President Ersin Tatar, Parliamentary Speaker Zorlu Töre and Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu.

President Ersin Tatar issued a written statement regarding Israel’s attack on Gaza’s al-Ahli Baptist Hospital.

Stating that he followed the events with deep sorrow as the leader of a people who experienced similar atrocities, Tatar said, “Attacking innocent civilians in the name of defence is a war crime.”

Expressing his sorrow regarding those who lost their lives in the hospital attack and a speedy recovery to the wounded, Tatar said, “In the ongoing conflicts in Israel and Palestine which is right next to us, it is a war crime to attack the hospital, which has humanitarian immunity under all circumstances and conditions. To attack innocent civilians in the name of defence, by attacking children, women, the elderly and all the wounded is unfathomable.”

“I hope that the international community, including the UN and the EU, will take concrete steps beyond condemnation to put an end to this atrocity. I hope that diplomacy will come into play as soon as possible and the violence against civilians will end through dialogue and reconciliation” said Tatar.

Parliamentary Speaker Zorlu Töre took to his social media page to condemn Israel’s attack against the hospital in Gaza by saying that this attack was a war crime and called on the world to take action against Israel and stop the massacres.

Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu also issued a statement regarding the tragic loss of life as a result of Israel targeting a hospital in Gaza.

He said Israel directly targeting civilians was a black stain on the history of humanity.

“I strongly condemn the attack against civilians,” Ertuğruloğlu said and wished condolences to the Palestinian people for the loss of life as a result of the barbaric attack and a speedy recovery to the wounded.

He also called on the international community, especially the UN, to take effective action to end the atrocities and bring lasting peace to the region.