London: A CCTV footage has emerged online purportedly showing Aleppo’s last paediatrician, moments before the Al Quds hospital was blown to bits by the government forces killing him along with the 26 others.
Dr Muhammad Waseem Maaz is seen on the video leaving the intensive care unit and heading to emergency ward to begin his night shift, conversing with a colleague, before an explosion rips through the building.
According to reports Dr Waseem, described as one of the most able physicians in the area, was the last remaining paediatricians in the rebel-held part of the city.
The hospital attacked was supported by the international medical aide organisation, Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
“This devastating attack has destroyed a vital hospital in Aleppo, and the main referral center for pediatric care in the area," said Muskilda Zancada, MSF head of mission, Syria. "Where is the outrage among those with the power and obligation to stop this carnage?”
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) spokesman Ewan Watson told Reuters in Geneva: "It is unacceptable, any attack on hospitals is a war crime. But it is up to an investigator and it is for a court to take that decision on whether it is a war crime or not."
Peace talks, which have been deeply divided on the future of Assad, looked to be over last week when the opposition walked out, saying the Syrian government was stalling for time to advance on the ground, and calling for implementation of a UN resolution requiring full humanitarian access to besieged areas.
Increasing strife between rebel forces and government troops have seen mounting attacks on civilian areas, including mosques and hospitals.
More than 200 people have been killed in air strikes by in Aleppo in the past week, with 123 civilians killed by government strikes in rebel held areas, and 71 killed in rebel attacks on government held areas.
