The Italian Air Force conducted an aerial bombing of a Swedish Red Cross hospital in Abyssinia, an action that drew immediate international condemnation. The Second Italo-Abyssinian War, which began in October 1935, was marked by aggressive military tactics employed by Italy under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, who sought to expand Italy's colonial empire in Africa. The bombing occurred in the context of fierce fighting between Italian troops and Ethiopian forces, which resulted in numerous violent encounters. The Swedish Red Cross hospital, located in the vicinity of the conflict, was established to provide medical assistance to anyone in need, devoid of any political affiliation.

The hospital had been clearly identified as a neutral humanitarian site, marked with the internationally recognized symbol of the Red Cross. The decision to bomb such a facility raised alarming questions about the ethical conduct of warfare, including the principles of distinction and proportionality outlined in international humanitarian law. Eyewitness accounts detailed chaotic scenes in the aftermath, with the local population and medical staff struggling to provide care amidst the wreckage.

In addition to the immediate impact on victims, the bombing sparked outrage among neutral nations and humanitarian organizations, which began to reassess their involvement and safety in conflict zones. The incident served as a precursor to further escalation of hostilities, reflecting an increasingly brazen approach by the Italian military during this aggressive colonial campaign.