Israeli Forces (IDF) have initiated a raid on the Al-Shifa Hospital complex in Gaza, targeting what they claim to be a Hamas command center. The IDF has urged militants to surrender, emphasizing their intent to carry out a precise and targeted operation. Al-Shifa, Gaza’s largest hospital, has become a focal point of international concern as thousands of patients, medical staff, and displaced civilians remain trapped inside during the ongoing conflict.
The situation escalated when, less than an hour before the raid, the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza revealed that Israel had informed officials of the impending operation. Dr. Munir al-Bursh, director-general of the Gaza Health Ministry, reported Israeli forces entering the western side of the medical complex, leading to significant explosions.
Global calls for a humanitarian ceasefire have intensified, drawing attention to the deteriorating conditions within Al-Shifa. The IDF contends that Hamas has a command center beneath the hospital, alleging the use of the facility and tunnels for military operations and hostage situations—a claim vehemently denied by Hamas.
White House emphasized
The United States, while acknowledging intelligence supporting Israel’s conclusions, clarified its position, stating it does not support striking a hospital from the air and opposes any conflict within medical facilities. The White House emphasized the need to protect hospitals and patients, emphasizing their stance against endangering innocent civilians seeking medical care.
Hamas, the ruling Islamist group in Gaza, denies the presence of fighters at Al-Shifa and claims that civilians, including patients and displaced individuals, are enduring constant attacks from snipers and drones. The group accused the White House of adopting a false narrative, attributing it to be a “green light” for the IDF’s operation.
As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely, emphasizing the urgency of a humanitarian ceasefire to ensure the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire. The conflicting narratives between Israel and Hamas continue to complicate efforts to find a resolution and ease the humanitarian crisis unfolding within the Al-Shifa Hospital complex.
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