Israeli forces conducted a nighttime raid on Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital, reportedly employing tanks and heavy gunfire. According to an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, the operation targeted specific areas within the hospital, citing the presence of senior Hamas members allegedly using the facility as a base for attacks.
Eyewitness Accounts of Panic
Witnesses inside the hospital complex described scenes of panic as tanks surrounded the area, with gunfire echoing nearby. Recorded calls and messages shared on social media conveyed the tense atmosphere within the compound, with reports of casualties and arrests by Israeli soldiers.
IDF’s Immediate Action
The IDF did not publicly announce the operation in advance but stated that it was based on actionable intelligence requiring urgent intervention. Despite the raid, the IDF assured that the hospital would remain operational, allowing patients and staff to stay, while providing an evacuation route for displaced individuals.
International Response and Humanitarian Concerns
The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry condemned the raid as a violation of international humanitarian law. Al-Shifa hospital, vital for Gaza’s medical needs, has faced severe disruptions due to ongoing conflict. Concerns over the protection of hospitals during war arose, with allegations of Hamas using medical facilities for military purposes, which Hamas denies.
Ongoing Conflict and Past Incidents
The IDF’s previous raid on Al-Shifa in November 2023 and a similar operation at Nasser Hospital in February raised international scrutiny. Reports of detainment and mistreatment of medical personnel prompted calls for clarification from the Israeli government. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant casualties and humanitarian crises in Gaza, with efforts to address the escalating violence ongoing.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Reuters
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