The Israeli military conducted a “high-precision” operation at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, claiming that senior Hamas officials had regrouped at the medical facility. The hospital, Gaza’s largest, has been a flashpoint of the ongoing conflict.
In a video address posted to social media, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, stated that the military was conducting a raid in “limited areas” of the hospital complex in northern Gaza. The operation was met with resistance as Hamas fighters reportedly shot at Israeli soldiers from within the complex, leading to a firefight.
The Health Ministry in Gaza, run by Hamas, reported that Israeli forces fired missiles at the complex and shot into surgery rooms, resulting in casualties among patients, medical workers, and displaced civilians. The ministry also mentioned a fire at the gate of the complex, causing further chaos and difficulty in reaching the injured.
As the raid continued, with Israeli tanks and bulldozers inside the hospital grounds, individuals inside the hospital expressed fear and anxiety. Alaa Abu al-Kaas, staying at the hospital with her father, described the tense situation, with loud explosions and Israeli soldiers ordering people to stay inside.
Israel has accused Hamas of using the hospital as a secret military command center, while Hamas denies the allegations. The Israeli military has faced criticism for storming the hospital in the past, but evidence suggests Hamas did use the facility for cover.
Despite the ongoing operation, the Israeli military stated that there would be no obligation for staff and patients to evacuate, but a passage would be provided for civilians to leave the hospital. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that anyone attempting to move was targeted by sniper bullets and quadcopters.
After the raid, reporters were shown a shaft at the hospital leading to a tunnel network, reinforcing Israel’s claims of Hamas using the facility for military purposes. U.S. spy agencies also indicated that Hamas and another Palestinian group utilized Al-Shifa for commanding forces and holding hostages.
The situation at Al-Shifa Hospital highlights the complexities and challenges of the conflict in Gaza, with civilians caught in the crossfire between Israeli forces and Hamas militants.
