In a daring raid, Israeli soldiers stormed the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, the largest medical facility in the besieged enclave. The soldiers claimed to have found weapons, explosives, and evidence of hostages held by Hamas militants inside the hospital.
The operation, which lasted for several hours, sparked fierce clashes between the Israeli forces and the Hamas fighters, who used the hospital as a base and a shield. Several patients and staff were caught in the crossfire, and some were reportedly killed or wounded.
The Israeli army said that the raid was part of its ongoing campaign to destroy Hamas’ tunnel network and free the Israeli soldiers captured by the group during the recent escalation of violence. The army also said that it found signs of the hostages in one of the hospital rooms, such as bloodstains, handcuffs, and personal belongings.
“We have clear evidence that Hamas is using this hospital as a headquarters, a weapons depot, and a torture chamber,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, a spokesman for the Israeli army. “We have also found indications that our missing soldiers are being held here against their will. We will not rest until we bring them home.”
However, Hamas denied the Israeli claims and accused the army of fabricating evidence and violating international law by attacking a medical facility. Hamas also said that it had no knowledge of the whereabouts of the Israeli soldiers and that it was ready to negotiate a prisoner swap through a third party.
“This is a desperate attempt by the Israeli occupation to justify its war crimes and atrocities against our people,” said Sami Abu Zuhri, a spokesman for Hamas. “The Al-Shifa hospital is a symbol of our resistance and resilience, and we will defend it with our lives.”
The raid on the hospital has drawn condemnation from human rights groups and international organizations, who called for an immediate end to the hostilities and respect for the sanctity of medical facilities . They also urged both sides to abide by the humanitarian law and protect the civilians and the wounded.
“The attack on the Al-Shifa hospital is a grave violation of the Geneva Conventions and a blatant disregard for the lives of the patients and the staff,” said Robert Mardini, the regional director for the Middle East at the International Committee of the Red Cross. “We call on all parties to refrain from targeting or using medical facilities for military purposes, and to ensure the safe and unhindered access of medical personnel and supplies.”
