Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep shock over the loss of life at the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, adding that civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious concern.
“Deeply shocked at the tragic loss of lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured. Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern. Those involved should be held responsible,’’ the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
Modi’s condolence message over the bombing of the hospital on Tuesday evening came on Wednesday afternoon, by which time the Israeli government had denied involvement and billed it as an extremist attack. Hundreds are reported to have been killed in the blast which drew an instant outpouring of anger against Israel from across the world.
Earlier on Wednesday, Israel’s ambassador to India Naor Gilon posted the widely circulated audio recording of alleged “Hamas terrorists in their own voices”, saying: “Listen to the conversation between Hamas operatives as they discuss the failed Islamic Jihad rocket launch on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital on October 17, 2023.”
France airports
The Palace of Versailles and 3 airports across France were evacuated for security reasons and closed on Wednesday, reports AP/PTI.