Hamas says hundreds killed in airstrike on hospital

People gather around bodies of Palestinians killed in airstrikes on the Ahli Arab hospital in central Gaza after they were transported to Al-Shifa hospital on Tuesday.

A Hamas-run hospital packed with wounded and other Palestinians seeking shelter in the Gaza Strip was hit by an airstrike Tuesday that killed hundreds of people, the terror group said. 

The Health Ministry said at least 500 people were killed at the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City. Hamas said the deaths were the result of an Israeli airstrike.

However, Israel said it was investigating the source of the explosion. 

"A hospital is a highly sensitive building and is not an IDF target,” the Israeli Defense Forces said. “The IDF is investigating the source of the explosion and, like always, is prioritizing accuracy and reliability. We urge everyone to proceed  with caution when reporting on the unverified claims of a terrorist organization."   

Other reports said a rocket misfired, causing the explosion.

Hamas was targeting Tel Aviv with rocket fire Tuesday. The group has been targeting central Israel multiple times each day