Israel Launches deadly operation at Gaza City Hospital
In a significant escalation of tensions, the Israeli army has confirmed an operation at Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital, a facility that has been at the center of the ongoing conflict.
Te operation, which commenced on Monday, was described by the Israeli military as a necessary response to the hospital's alleged use of senior Hamas militants.
The Al-Shifa hospital, known as the largest medical complex in Gaza, has been a focal point in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Israel has long accused Hamas of using medical facilities as cover for its operations, a claim that Hamas has consistently denied.
According to reports, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out what they termed a "high precision operation in limited areas" of the hospital.
The IDF spokesperson stated that the operation was based on "concrete intelligence which demanded immediate action" against Hamas militants who were allegedly using the hospital to "command attacks against Israel".
The operation has drawn international attention and criticism, with humanitarian groups and the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry calling it a "flagrant violation of international humanitarian law".
The hospital, which has struggled to maintain operations amidst the conflict, is also a shelter for hundreds of displaced Palestinians.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the operation unfolded. Social media reports and unverified footage depicted people attempting to flee the area amid heavy gunfire.
One eyewitness, in a recorded call shared on social media, expressed the dire situation: "Tanks are surrounding us. We are hiding inside the tent. We hear tank fire in the vicinity of the compound."
The IDF has assured that the hospital will continue to function during the raid and that patients and staff do not need to evacuate.
They have also provided an evacuation route for displaced people sheltering at the complex.
Meanwhile, a statement from Hamas condemned the operation, accusing Israel of committing a war crime by storming the complex with tanks and drones.
As the dust settles from the latest operation, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of hostilities and a return to peace talks.
The situation remains fluid, and the impact of this operation on the already fragile state of affairs in Gaza is yet to be fully understood.
