France says it did not attribute responsibility for Gaza hospital attack

PARIS

France said Thursday it does not attribute responsibility for an attack on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in northern Gaza to anyone.

"We condemned the attack on Al-Ahli Hospital and we expect this incident to be prosecuted openly," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre said in response to an Anadolu question in a news conference. "We have not attributed any responsibility to anyone on this issue.”

She said that serious transparency must be ensured to reveal the truth about the attack.

Legendre left unanswered a question by Anadolu concering the ban in France on demonstrations in support of Palestine.

At least 471 people were killed and 342 injured in an Israeli airstrike on the medical facility, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Israel has denied responsibility for the strike.

The conflict began Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza, under heavy bombardment and blockade, is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.