15-11-2023 (GAZA) On Wednesday (Nov 14), witnesses reported that Israeli troops entered Al Shifa, Gaza’s largest hospital, culminating in a siege that has sparked global alarm over the safety of thousands of civilians trapped inside. The hospital, located in Gaza City, has become the primary target of Israeli forces’ ground operation.
Israeli authorities claim that beneath Al Shifa hospital lies a Hamas headquarters, including a network of tunnels, which they describe as the “beating heart” of the militant group’s operations. Hamas, however, denies these allegations.
The attention of the world has been focused on the plight of hundreds of patients inside Al Shifa, lacking power to operate essential medical equipment, and thousands of displaced civilians seeking refuge. According to Gaza officials, numerous patients, including newborns, have died in recent days due to Israel’s encirclement of the hospital.
The Israeli military stated that its troops engaged in a clash outside the hospital gates, resulting in the deaths of fighters, before entering the hospital. Israel claims to have brought medical supplies for those inside, including incubators and baby food.
Dr Ahmed El Mohallalati, a surgeon at Al Shifa, described the harrowing situation as the hospital staff hid during the fighting. Tanks reportedly entered the hospital compound, and the troops conducted searches in the basement and entered buildings. Witnesses within the hospital reported the sound of gunfire, and some remained in hiding due to safety concerns.
In response to the incursion, Hamas called it a “barbaric assault” on a health facility protected by the Fourth Geneva Convention. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) maintained that the operation was precise and targeted against Hamas in the specified area within the Shifa hospital.
The United States stated that its intelligence supports Israel’s conclusions about the presence of a Hamas headquarters at Al Shifa. In turn, Hamas accused the U.S. of giving Israel a “green light” for the raid, holding President Joe Biden responsible for what they deemed a “war crime.”
The situation at Al Shifa hospital unfolds against the backdrop of the broader conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began in early October. Israel has put Gaza under siege, conducting airstrikes and, more recently, deploying ground forces. The reported deaths of newborn babies and the escalation of the conflict have raised international concerns and calls for de-escalation to protect civilians and medical facilities.
Breaking: Israeli occupation forces open gunfire inside Al Shifa Hospital in the besieged Gaza Strip.#WarCrimes #GazaGenocide #CeasefireForGazaNOW
c @RishiSunak @David_Cameron@FCDOGovUK @JoeBiden @POTUS @SecBlinken pic.twitter.com/dpx3tE13QL— Lance Dyer 〓〓 (@Lance63) November 15, 2023
