Israel’s military has launched a targeted raid on the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, citing intelligence indicating the presence of senior Hamas operatives. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Hamas operatives are using the facility to coordinate attacks against Israel.
IDF Spokesperson RAdm Hagari informed that in the wee hours of Monday (March 18) that the operation is a response to concrete intelligence which required immediate action. He also emphasised that the aim of the raid is to combat Hamas militants rather than harm civilians.
“We know that senior Hamas terrorists have regrouped inside the al-Shifa hospital and are using it to command attacks against Israel,” said RAdm Hagari.
IDF to prioritise civilian safety
He reiterated that the operation is being conducted with precision and caution to reduce civilian casualties to the minimum. The IDF has dispatched Arabic speakers and medical staff to assist patients within the hospital premises and is offering humanitarian aid to civilians.
“While there is no obligation for patients and medical staff to evacuate the hospital, a pathway is available for civilians seeking to leave,” RAdm Hagari stated.
In a short video message, posted by the IDF on X (formerly known as Twitter), Hagari called on Hamas militants to surrender while highlighting that medical facilities should never be exploited for terrorist activities. “Medical facilities should never be exploited for terror. Hamas must be held accountable,” Hagari said in the video message.
Hamas denounces Israeli operation
Furthermore, according to a report in Al Jazeera, the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza released a statement on 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 read.
“What the occupation forces are doing is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. The Israeli occupation is still using its fabricated narratives to deceive the world and justify the storming of the al-Shifa Medical Complex,” the statement added.
According to the reports, IDF reportedly opened fire within the medical complex in northern Gaza City, resulting in fatalities and injuries. Additionally, a blaze erupted in a surgical facility at the al-Shifa Hospital following Israeli airstrikes.
Al Jazeera further reported that the Israeli military is compelling individuals to vacate the hospital through loudspeaker announcements, amid reports of gunfire within the complex, leading to casualties.