Israeli troops captured or killed approximately 80 individuals, overnight between Sunday and Monday as part of the raid on Shifa Hospital on suspicion of performing terrorist activities.
Hamas officials were using the hospital to command terrorist operations, according to Daniel Hagari the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.
Hagari stated that the operation was targeting limited areas within the hospital complex based on “concrete intelligence that demanded immediate action.”
Hagari added the senior Hamas terrorists had regrouped inside the hospital and were using it as a command center for attacks against Israel.
“Our targeted mission isn’t just an operational necessity; it’s a global imperative,” said Hagari.
The Israeli forces who entered the area received special training and were briefed in advance about the importance of avoiding harm to patients, civilians, medical staff, and medical equipment.
Arabic speakers are accompanying the forces in order to facilitate dialogue with the patients at the hospital. Patients and staff are not being ordered to evacuate.
The IDF and Shin Bet said later that they were working together in the hospital, adding that while Israeli forces were encircling the complex, terrorists hiding in the hospital fired at the forces.
IDF has warned Gaza Health Ministry to kick Hamas out of hospitals.
“We have warned of these activities in the past and see that the Hamas terror organization is continuing its military activity inside hospitals and that there are terror operatives in the heart of hospitals,” said the CLA head.
“I have told you before and I will tell you again, we are willing to provide any humanitarian aid needed, be it gas, food supplies, medical supplies and medicine – to help with the operation of the hospitals – just as we have done in the past.”
Dr. Youssef Abu Rish told the CLA head “I promise you we are on the same page.”
“Hospitals need to be places that provide services, and no one should harm the patients of the provision of the medical services inside these hospitals,” added Abu Rish.
In mid-November, the IDF entered the Shifa Hospital, searching the facility for terrorists and weapons.
The IDF found several tunnels in the area, as well as surveillance camera footage showing hostages being dragged into the hospital on October 7.
