UNAMA: Civilians Paying Price of Afghanistan-Pakistan Conflict as Hospital Airstrike Kills Hundreds

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) stated that civilians are bearing the brunt of the ongoing conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In a statement, UNAMA reported recording at least 74 civilians killed and 212 wounded in Afghanistan from February 24 to March 16 due to clashes. It urged all parties to de-escalate tensions, establish a permanent ceasefire and protect medical facilities, health workers and ambulances under international law.

Afghan officials reported that a Pakistani airstrike targeted the 2,000-bed Hope Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul's Pulcharkhi area on Monday night. Hamidullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said the attack destroyed large sections of the hospital, killing at least 400 people and wounding about 250 others. Rescue teams were working to control fires and recover bodies from the rubble.

Abdul Matin Qane, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, confirmed the casualties and stated that rescue efforts continued into Tuesday morning. He warned that Pakistan would receive a "crushing response."

India's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the airstrike as a "barbaric and unjustifiable" action and a "flagrant violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty." It described the attack on a health facility during Ramadan as particularly reprehensible and called on the international community to hold those responsible accountable. India expressed sympathy for the victims and reaffirmed support for Afghanistan's sovereignty.

The incident occurred amid sharply escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, marked by recent airstrikes and artillery exchanges.