Update: Israel has since said it has evidence the blast was caused by a misfired rocket from a Palestinian militant group; see that story here. The original reporting was based on claims made by the Gaza Health Ministry. It follows:
The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said an Israeli airstrike Tuesday hit a Gaza City hospital packed with wounded and other Palestinians seeking shelter, killing hundreds. If confirmed, the attack would be by far the deadliest Israeli airstrike in five wars fought since 2008, per the AP. Photos from al-Ahli Hospital showed fire engulfing the hospital halls, shattered glass, and body parts scattered across the area. The ministry said at least 500 people had been killed. Several hospitals in Gaza City have become refuges for hundreds of people, hoping they would be spared bombardment after Israel ordered all residents of the city and surrounding areas to evacuate to the southern Gaza Strip.
Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said there were still no details on the hospital deaths. "We will get the details and update the public," he said. "I don't know to say whether it was an Israeli airstrike." In the south, continued strikes killed dozens of civilians and at least one senior Hamas figure Tuesday in attacks it says are targeted at militants. US officials worked to convince Israel to allow delivery of supplies to desperate civilians, aid groups, and hospitals after days of failed hopes for an opening in the siege. (Civilian deaths were reported among those trying to evacuate.)
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