GENEVA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) condemned in the strongest terms the shelling of the Al Aqsa hospital in Gaza, which killed at least four people and injured scores of others on Monday.

ICRC said the hospital, located in the city of Deir El Balah in central Gaza, came under direct fire at least four times. The surgical ward, the intensive care unit and pieces of life-saving equipment were all severely damaged, disrupting essential medical services.

"This incident is yet another illustration of the dangers faced by health care personnel, patients, ambulances and hospitals, in the current conflict in Gaza," said Christian Cardon, the head of the ICRC's sub-delegation in Gaza.

"Even in the midst of warfare, people must be able to receive medical care in safety," he added.

ICRC reminded all parties of their obligation to respect and to protect medical personnel, ambulances and facilities, as provided for under international humanitarian law.

It called for all parties to the conflict must ensure that medical personnel are not endangered or harmed, and hospitals and ambulances not attacked, damaged or misused.

A large-scale Israeli military operation launched on the Gaza Strip since July 8 has already killed a total of 548 Palestinians and wounded around 3,300 others, Gaza Health Ministry reported on Monday.