The Israeli army has initiated a targeted operation within the confined area of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, citing intelligence that senior Hamas operatives who use the facility to coordinate attacks against Israel are present.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman RADM Hagari stated on Monday morning that the operation was in response to solid intelligence. He emphasized that the campaign’s purpose is to combat Hamas fighters without causing harm to civilians.
“We are aware that senior Hamas fighters have gathered inside Al-Shifa hospital and are using it as a base to launch attacks against Israel,” he said. Hagari assured that measures will be taken with precision and caution to minimize civilian casualties.
The IDF has deployed Arabic speakers and medical personnel to aid patients in the hospital complex and is offering humanitarian assistance to civilians. Despite no obligation for patients and medical personnel to evacuate the hospital, Hagari noted that arrangements are available for citizens who wish to leave.
He urged Hamas fighters to surrender and condemned the use of medical facilities for terrorist activities.
Meanwhile, the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health in Gaza, as reported by Al Jazeera, issued a statement expressing concern about the ongoing Israeli operation.
“We hold the Israeli occupation responsible for the lives of medical staff, patients, and displaced people inside the Al-Shifa Medical Complex,” the statement said. It accused Israel of gross violations of international humanitarian law and fabricating stories to justify the attack on Al-Shifa Medical Complex.
(With inputs from media outlets)
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