Gaza Hospital Israeli Raid: Al-Shifa Hospital Targeted by Israeli Military
Displaced Palestinians were seen gathering in the yard of Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital on December 10, 2023. The hospital, which is Gaza’s largest medical facility, was raided by the Israeli military early on Monday. The incident resulted in chaos and uncertainty as gunshots were heard, a fire broke out on the complex, and an unknown number of people were injured or killed.
According to the Israeli military, the operation was aimed at thwarting terrorist activity within the Shifa hospital. They claimed to be conducting precise operations to track senior Hamas terrorists allegedly hiding inside the building, where displaced civilians had sought refuge.
The Gaza Ministry of Health strongly refuted the Israeli military’s justifications, denouncing the actions as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
Prior to the conflict, Al-Shifa Hospital served as the main medical facility in the region. However, ongoing hostilities have severely disrupted its operations. The area surrounding Al-Shifa has been a hotspot for fighting since the Israeli military launched its offensive in response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. The toll of the conflict has been devastating, with over 31,700 Palestinians losing their lives, as reported by the Gaza Ministry of Health.
Israeli forces had previously raided the Al-Shifa complex in November 2023, claiming to have discovered Hamas weapons. Allegations have been made against Hamas for using hospitals, including Al-Shifa, as cover for their activities, endangering both medical staff and patients.
Amidst the chaos, the Ministry of Health reported that a fire had broken out at the gate of the Al-Shifa medical complex, trapping displaced women and children. Communication lines were severed, leaving people stranded inside the hospital buildings.
Dr. Alaa Al-Samuni, who was present inside Al-Shifa during the raid, highlighted the dire situation faced by staff and patients. Israeli forces had ordered the evacuation of the complex, leaving only essential personnel and critical patients behind.
The Ministry of Health held the Israeli occupation accountable for the safety and well-being of those inside the Al-Shifa Medical Complex. Flyers urging civilians to evacuate were dropped over the area by the Israeli military, emphasizing the dangerous combat zone that had engulfed the region.
Despite the turmoil, the Israeli military pledged to provide humanitarian aid to civilians and patients within the vicinity of Al-Shifa Hospital. The situation remains tense as efforts are made to ensure the safety and security of all individuals affected by the conflict.
Jaclyn Diaz reported from Tel Aviv. Anas Baba contributed reporting in Rafah.
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