IDF Launches Raid on Gaza’s al Shifa Hospital, Sparking Fire and Casualties
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted a raid on Gaza City’s al Shifa hospital, resulting in a fierce fire, casualties, and allegations of war crimes.
Eyewitnesses on the ground reported a surge of military activity in the vicinity of the hospital, describing it as a “re-invasion” of Gaza’s capital city. Tanks were reported to be operating near the Beach refugee camp, firing shells at nearby buildings. Additionally, IDF forces allegedly raided a school housing displaced families near al Shifa, detaining several men, although these claims remain unconfirmed.
The IDF defended its actions, stating that the raid was a “precise operation” based on intelligence indicating that the hospital was being used by senior Hamas leaders. However, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported that a fire broke out at the hospital entrance, leading to cases of suffocation among displaced women and children seeking shelter there.
Amid the chaos, the IDF dropped leaflets around the hospital, warning residents of the danger and emphasizing their efforts to destroy terrorist infrastructure in residential areas.
As the situation unfolds, conflicting reports emerge regarding casualties and the extent of the operation’s impact on civilians. The Hamas-run health ministry claimed multiple deaths and injuries, with people trapped inside the hospital’s surgery and emergency units due to the intensity of the fire and targeted attacks.
In response, Israel reiterated its stance, calling on “Hamas terrorists hiding in hospitals” to surrender immediately. The IDF spokesperson emphasized that the operation was conducted with caution and care to ensure minimal harm to civilians and the hospital’s continued functionality. However, the Palestinian Government Media Office condemned Israel’s actions as a “war crime” and accused the IDF of exploiting fabricated narratives to justify the raid.
The raid at al Shifa hospital marks a dangerous escalation in the conflict, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As international calls for a ceasefire grow louder, the families of hostages in Gaza marched in Tel Aviv, urging the Israeli government to negotiate a deal and end the prolonged violence.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides entrenched in their positions, leaving the fate of civilians caught in the crossfire hanging in the balance.
