Israel's second raid on Gaza's Shifa Hospital has left it in ruins, with conflicting accounts from the military and witnesses. While Israel claims it as a victory against Hamas and denies harming civilians inside, the World Health Organization reports 21 patient deaths and dire conditions for those left inside. The raid triggered fighting in the surrounding area, with reports of civilian casualties. Israel also arrested suspected militants, but accounts allege that medical workers and journalists were among those detained and mistreated. The military's justification for targeting Shifa has been met with skepticism, as evidence for its claims has been deemed insufficient.
Israeli troops have withdrawn from Gaza's largest hospital, Shifa Hospital, after a two-week raid, during which they claimed to have killed 200 militants and detained hundreds more. The raid caused extensive destruction and casualties, with the U.N. health agency reporting over 20 patient deaths and dozens at risk. Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes, while Palestinians deny these allegations and criticize the army for endangering civilians and decimating the overwhelmed health sector. The heavy fighting at Shifa Hospital demonstrates Hamas's resilience, despite previous Israeli claims of dismantling the group in northern Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to continue the offensive until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages are freed, facing pressure from both Israelis and allied countries.
Israeli Defense Force (IDF) troops have withdrawn from Shifa Hospital in Gaza after a two-week operation, during which they killed terrorists, located weapons and intelligence documents, and prevented harm to civilians, patients, and medical teams. The hospital, which had been partially operational and housing displaced civilians, was evacuated by IDF, with around 300 people reportedly killed by the IDF, according to a spokesperson for the Hamas-run Gaza Civil Defense. The IDF's military operation aimed to target terror leaders and infrastructure, and Israeli officials have accused Hamas of using medical facilities as cover for terror operations.
An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed four international aid workers and their Palestinian driver, who were part of the World Central Kitchen charity, shortly after delivering food to the isolated and famine-threatened northern Gaza. The strike occurred as the U.S. and other aid groups have been using a maritime route to deliver supplies to the region. Additionally, Israeli forces ended a two-week raid on Shifa Hospital, leaving the facility largely destroyed, and also reportedly targeted Iran's consulate in Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to shut down Al Jazeera in Israel, accusing the network of inciting violence.
Aging Hamas terrorists, previously detained and released, returned to Shifa Hospital in Gaza, where they were eventually captured or killed by Israeli forces. These individuals, with a history of crimes and terrorism dating back to the 1980s, represent a challenge for Israel as it seeks to defeat not only the older generation of terrorists, but also the next generation of Hamas members. The article highlights the complex dynamics of the Israel-Hamas conflict, including the use of hospitals as hiding places, international support for Hamas, and the need to address the impunity and privilege enjoyed by the organization.
IDF Unit 504 has revealed terrorist confessions confirming Shifa Hospital's role as a Gaza terror base, with Islamic Jihad and Hamas operatives admitting to using the hospital as a command center and hiding spot for fighters. The terrorists disclosed that between 600 to 1,000 of their fighters were stationed at Shifa, with one admitting to being there for three months. The IDF has stated that despite terrorists using hospitals as hiding places, they will pursue them in every location while striving to minimize harm to civilians and medical staff.
The IDF issued a statement acknowledging a "human error" after publishing a collage containing photos of terrorists captured at Shifa Hospital in Gaza, including one of the chief of Hamas operations who had not yet been captured. The IDF clarified that the claim of psychological warfare had no basis and stated that the operation at the hospital had successfully arrested high-ranking terrorists and eliminated approximately 150 terrorists in the area.
Israeli forces have killed 20 Palestinian gunmen in Gaza's Al Shifa hospital and apprehended dozens of suspected militants, as part of their ongoing efforts to thwart terrorist activity in the area. The military stated that the operation at the hospital has resulted in the elimination of 20 terrorists and the questioning of numerous apprehended suspects.
The IDF launched a new operation in Gaza's Shifa Hospital, targeting areas within the hospital complex where senior Hamas terrorists were regrouping and commanding attacks against Israel. Israeli forces received special training to avoid harm to patients, civilians, and medical staff, and are facilitating humanitarian efforts in the area. The IDF emphasized that their war is against Hamas, not the people of Gaza, and called for Hamas terrorists hiding in hospitals to surrender. Palestinian media reported heavy clashes between Palestinian terrorists and Israeli forces in the hospital complex, while the IDF stated that they will continue to act in accordance with international law and against the Hamas terrorist organization.
The Israeli military has unveiled what it claims is a Hamas military facility located beneath Gaza City's Shifa Hospital. Journalists were given a rare glimpse inside the underground bunkers, which appeared to be out of use. Israel has accused Hamas of using Gaza's hospitals as cover for military operations, including hiding command centers and bunkers. The military described the underground hideout as its most significant discovery yet. Hamas and the hospital administration have denied these accusations. The Israeli soldiers showed journalists weaponry they claimed to have found at Shifa, including assault rifles, grenades, and drones. The military has been targeting Hamas' tunnel network and other targets in its campaign in Gaza.
The IDF has released a video explaining the motives behind Hamas bringing hostages to Shifa Hospital after the October 7 massacre, shedding light on the tactics employed by the organization and providing insight into the broader context of the conflict.
A humanitarian team from the World Health Organization (WHO) visited Shifa Hospital in Gaza and described it as a "death zone." They found signs of shelling and gunfire, and discovered a mass grave at the hospital entrance containing over 80 bodies. Due to security risks, the team was only able to spend an hour inside the hospital.
Five Israeli soldiers were killed during fighting in the northern Gaza Strip, as the IDF shifted its attacks to the Zeitun and Jabalya neighborhoods. The soldiers killed were identified, including one from the Druze village of Beit Jann. The IDF announced the evacuation of Shifa Hospital following a request by its director, denying reports that it had ordered the evacuation itself. The IDF also eliminated a Hamas terrorist cell and delivered supplies to the hospital.
Patients, staff, and displaced people have left Gaza's largest hospital, Shifa Hospital, leaving behind a skeleton crew to care for the remaining patients. Israeli forces are now in control of the facility. The exodus came as internet and phone service was restored to the Gaza Strip, ending a telecommunications blackout that had hindered humanitarian aid deliveries. Israel continues to expand its offensive in Gaza City, urging residents to evacuate for their safety. Attacks also continue in the south of the Gaza Strip, with an Israeli airstrike killing at least 26 Palestinians. The war, now in its seventh week, has resulted in a critical humanitarian crisis, with shortages of fuel, food, and water, and a growing number of casualties.
Israeli troops raided Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, searching for evidence of Hamas using the facility as a command center and human shield. The raid comes after days of encircling the hospital, with Israel facing pressure to prove its claims. While the Israeli army released video showing soldiers carrying boxes labeled as "baby food" and "medical supplies," health officials described terrified staff and patients. Israel released video of weapons it said it found, but no signs of tunnels or a sophisticated command center have been discovered so far. Hamas and Gaza health officials deny the allegations, accusing Israel of endangering civilians. The ground offensive continues as Israel tightens its hold on northern Gaza.
