Israel Launches 'Targeted Operation' At Gaza's Largest Hospital, Accuses Hamas Of Using It As Command Centre

Israel has initiated a "targeted operation" at the largest hospital in Gaza, accusing Hamas of utilizing it as a command center.

The hospital, currently home to numerous ill and displaced people from Gaza, is at the centre of this controversy, potentially escalating global criticism towards Israel.

In a precise and targeted action against Hamas, Israeli troops are operating inside the al-Shifa hospital.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated they had informed Gaza's authorities that all military activities at the hospital must cease within 12 hours, but this directive was not followed.

The IDF has also demanded the surrender of Hamas operatives present in the hospital.

The United Nations reports that the hospital is currently sheltering approximately 2,300 patients, staff, and civilians, who are trapped amidst intense combat and aerial bombardments.

Both Israel and the United States assert that Hamas has been using hospitals in Gaza, including al-Shifa, to conceal command posts and hostages, exploiting underground tunnels.

Meanwhile, Hamas has blamed US President Joe Biden for the operations at al-Shifa hospital, holding him and Israel entirely accountable.

Hamas, in a statement, held both Israel and President Biden fully responsible for the attack on the Al-Shifa medical complex.

Israeli forces claim that al-Shifa is built over a Hamas underground headquarters, alleging that militants are using the hospital, its patients, and staff as human shields.

These claims are refuted by Hamas and Gaza’s health ministry officials, who argue that Israel is making baseless accusations to justify its attacks on medical facilities.

Located in Gaza City's northern part, al-Shifa hospital is a major medical facility comprising several six-story buildings.

It has 600 to 900 beds, thousands of staff, and offers unique services scarcely available elsewhere in Gaza.

Since the onset of the conflict, al-Shifa has also been a refuge for people displaced by the ongoing war and constant Israeli bombardments.