KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 19

The government today condemned the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza yesterday.

International media networks reported that an explosion at al- Ahli Arab Hospital in the Gaza city yesterday killed at least 500 people. Both Israel and Hamas blamed each other for the blast. The US has backed Israel's claim that Israel did not cause the blast.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release urging peaceful and negotiated settlement of the dispute (between Israel and Hamas militants).

Israel has been at war with Hamas since October 7 when Hamas militants launched 'surprise' ground and air attack on Israel killing more than 700 people.

The Government of Nepal is deeply shocked by the killing of innocent civilians in a hospital in Gaza yesterday. We condemn this attack against the hospital, medical personnel, patients, and civilians and convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We offer prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured people, MoFA stated in its press release.

MoFA said it was seriously concerned about the attack against civilians.

'We call for the protection of civilian people in all circumstances. We believe in peace and urge peaceful and negotiated settlement of the dispute,' MoFA added.

Ten Nepali nationals were also killed in Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and the Nepali national's whereabouts are still unknown.

A version of this article appears in the print on October 20, 2023, of The Himalayan Times