The Israeli army launched “a precise and targeted operation” against Hamas in al-Shifa hospital, the largest in Gaza, inviting the terrorists to surrender. “Based on intelligence information and an operational need, IDF forces are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specific area of Shifa Hospital,” the IDF said in the statement. “The operation is not intended to harm patients, medical staff or citizens present at the hospital”, stressed the Israeli army, adding that Shifa management was alerted before Israeli troops entered the complex. On your own in Hebrew, transferred to the hospital.”
The Gaza Ministry of Health, cited by the Palestinian news agency Shebab, said that “dozens of soldiers” entered the emergency building and that tanks were parked in the complex. According to the Guardian, a witness inside the hospital told the BBC that he saw six tanks and more than 100 soldiers inside the hospital complex, in the area surrounding the emergency room. Ahmed Mokhallalati, a surgeon at al-Shifa, told Al Jazeera that Israeli tanks and bulldozers entered the compound. “The fire is still raging and we hear explosions everywhere,” he said. The Palestinian health minister accused Israel of “crimes against humanity” at al-Shifa hospital, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.
The numbers vary greatly depending on the number of people on the site. On Sunday, the World Health Organization estimated there were about 1,500 people displaced, up to 650 hospitalized and 200 to 500 health care workers. According to a spokesperson for the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, there are currently 1,500 people in the complex, including patients, medical staff and displaced people. The spokesperson added that only 10% of the total medical staff, between 500 and 600 people, are currently inside the hospital. A White House official, speaking after the raid was announced, said he did not want to see a shooting at a hospital. Reuters cited a spokesperson for the White House Homeland Security Council who wished to remain anonymous. “We – said the spokesperson – do not support the air attack on the hospital and we do not want to see fighting inside the hospital with innocent, defenseless and sick people who could end up in the middle of the shooting.” “Hospitals – he concluded – must be protected”.
Hamas accused US President Joe Biden of being “entirely responsible” for the Israeli operation at al-Shifa hospital. The White House said Tuesday it has information supporting Israel’s claims that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are using some hospitals in the Gaza Strip, including al-Shifa hospital, to hide or support their military operations and to hold hostages.
Source: IL Tempo
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
