Global calls for a humanitarian ceasefire have increased in recent days, and the fate of Al Shifa has become the focus of international concern due to deteriorating conditions at the facility, where thousands of patients, medical staff and displaced people have been trapped during the Israeli offensive. on Gaza in the last five weeks.
Israel has said that Hamas has a command center beneath Al Shifa and uses hospitals and tunnels beneath it to conceal military operations and hold hostages. Hamas denies this.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said: “Based on intelligence and operational necessity, IDF forces are conducting a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a designated area at Shifa Hospital.”
The military said: “IDF forces include medical teams and Arabic speakers who have received specified training to prepare for this complex and sensitive environment, with the intention of ensuring no harm to civilians.”
Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner told CNN that the hospital and compound are for Hamas “the central hub of their operations, perhaps the beating heart and perhaps even the center of gravity.”
The US said on Tuesday that its own intelligence agency supported Israel’s findings.
Hamas said on Wednesday that the US announcement had effectively given Israel a “green light” to raid the hospital. The group said it held Israel and US President Joe Biden solely responsible for the operation.