In a shocking escalation of violence, Israel has struck Gaza’s largest hospital complex, Al-Shifa, along with three other medical facilities, resulting in numerous casualties, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-governed enclave. The military action, which targeted areas where displaced Palestinians sought shelter, has drawn sharp criticism and accusations of putting civilian lives at risk.
Israel’s Military Claims Hamas Presence at Al-Shifa
Israel’s military contends that Al-Shifa Hospital harbors a Hamas command center, including entrances to an extensive tunnel network—a claim vehemently denied by both Hamas and hospital officials. The military asserts that these strikes are necessary to neutralize what they claim are terrorist operations within the medical complex. However, health ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra countered, stating, “Israel is now undertaking these dangerous steps against the hospitals to put them completely out of commission and subsequently displace the people sheltering in them, as well as the patients and medics.”
Eyewitness Accounts of Horror Unfold
Mohammad Abu Salmiya, director general of Al-Shifa Hospital, described the dire situation, emphasizing that the strikes hit civilians located next to journalists, resulting in casualties and critical injuries. The aftermath, captured in a chilling video, showed people screaming and scrambling for cover, with an injured man lying on the pavement in a pool of blood. Abu Salmiya expressed the constant fear gripping medics, patients, and displaced individuals due to near-constant explosions near the facility.
Widespread Attacks on Hospitals Raise Global Concerns
The strike on Al-Shifa is part of a series of reported attacks on or near the Gaza City hospital in recent days. Two children’s hospitals, al-Rantisi and al-Nasser, also fell victim to what the health ministry termed “direct attacks and bombardments.” The Indonesian Hospital, situated at the northern end of the enclave, was damaged in overnight explosions, according to Indonesia’s foreign ministry.
International Outcry and Human Rights Concerns
Indonesia strongly condemned the attacks, stating, “Indonesia once again condemns the savage attacks on civilians and civilian objects, especially humanitarian facilities in Gaza.” Human Rights Watch’s Israel and Palestine director, Omar Shakir, emphasized the importance of protecting medical facilities, declaring, “No area is a free-fire zone.” The situation has sparked a global outcry, with calls for an immediate cessation of attacks on hospitals.
Controversial Claims and Denials
Israeli military officials have released pictures, maps, and audio recordings, alleging that Hamas is using Al-Shifa Hospital to plan operations and hide its fighters. However, Hamas, health authorities, and Al-Shifa Hospital officials have vehemently denied these allegations. The hospital has been repeatedly ordered to evacuate in recent weeks by the Israeli military, drawing condemnation from humanitarian groups asserting that medical facilities must be spared from the ravages of war. The continued targeting of hospitals raises concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.
