The Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by the Islamic terror organization Hamas, 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.
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. I don’t know to say whether it was an Israeli air strike,” he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this article