Israel has admitted to an airstrike near a hospital in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib, which witnesses said had killed and wounded dozens of people. The attack took place close to a period of relative calm in the region, following a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey to reduce the intensity of military operations.
The airstrike is being viewed as a violation of international law due to the presence of civilian casualties. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed his condemnation of the airstrike, reiterating the call he made previously for a cessation of hostilities in Idlib.
It is reported that the airstrike was intended to target an ambulance, which was transporting medical personnel to a nearby hospital. Eyewitnesses say at least fifteen people were killed instantly by the airstrike, with more than a dozen more wounded.
The hospital where the victims were heading has since been hit with four more rounds of air strikes and is reportedly facing serious damage. In addition to the casualties, the hospital was also put out of service due to the strikes.
The Syrian Civil Defense has requested assistance from international organizations in order to provide aid to the victims and families affected by this latest attack. The United Nations’ humanitarian coordinator in Syria, Mark Cutts, has urged all sides to respect international law and refrain from attacking civilians and medical facilities.
The airstrike comes as a serious reminder against the dangers of military escalation, and the importance of upholding international laws and protecting civil infrastructure. The international community must remain vigilant to the dangers of military operations and make certain that all parties respect the laws of war and continue to work together to find a lasting peace in the region.