Israeli forces have gained control of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City following an overnight raid on the medical complex. They have issued evacuation orders to thousands of residents in the vicinity, directing them to relocate towards the southern region of the Palestinian territory.
Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, said early on Monday that troops were “conducting a high-precision operation in limited areas of Shifa hospital based on … intelligence information indicating the use of the hospital by senior Hamas terrorists to command attacks”.
The Israeli Defense Forces announced they had seized control of the expansive complex, asserting casualties among Hamas militants and detaining 80 individuals, with one Israeli soldier wounded. Leaflets and social media were utilized by the IDF to prompt civilians near Shifa to evacuate towards al-Muwasi, approximately 18 miles (30km) south along Gaza’s coastal road.
Transport scarcity in Gaza poses challenges for compliance, particularly for vulnerable populations enduring food shortages. The Israeli military released blurry drone footage of the Shifa raid, purportedly depicting troops encountering gunfire from buildings within the hospital compound.
Emphasizing the imperative of minimizing harm to patients, civilians, medical personnel, and facilities, the IDF stated its troops were briefed accordingly. Witnesses noted airstrikes in the al-Rimal area of Gaza City where the hospital is situated.
The Israeli military reported discovering weapons, military gear, and a 55-meter tunnel in the basement of Shifa Hospital following the November raid. The IDF shared footage alleging the presence of hostages, a claim denied by Hamas. Contrary to pre-raid assertions of a well-equipped command center beneath the hospital, evidence presented by the IDF appeared lacking.
Aid agencies have faced challenges in restoring services at Shifa due to difficulties in accessing northern Gaza for equipment and supplies. The recent raid occurs amid hopes for a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, with new talks anticipated to commence shortly.
