The Israeli military asserts that the hospital, Gaza's largest medical facility, serves as a Hamas command center, a claim met with skepticism and strong denial by the Palestinian side.
Israeli troops initiated the raid at 2 am on Wednesday, targeting the medical complex. Alleging that Hamas is using the hospital as a command center, the Israeli army claims to have found substantial evidence supporting their assertion during the ongoing raids.
The Israeli military released video footage from inside an undisclosed building within the hospital, showcasing three duffel bags allegedly hidden in an MRI lab.
The contents of these bags, according to the military, included assault rifles, grenades, Hamas uniforms, flak jackets, assault rifles without ammunition clips, and a laptop.
Israeli military spokesperson Jonathan Conricus emphasized that such weapons have no place inside a hospital and suggested that the findings represent only the tip of the iceberg.
“„A few of the most interesting things that we found totally confirms, without any doubt, that Hamas systematically uses hospitals in their military operations, in violation of international law.- Israeli military spokesperson Jonathan Conricus
An image taken from a video released by the Israeli Defense Forces shows a bullet-proof vest with a Hamas insignia that was found along with weapons the IDF says were found in a medical closet at the MRI center at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. (Israel Defense Forces via AP) Contrary to Israel's claims, more than 24 hours into the raid, the Israeli army has not presented evidence of either Hamas-run tunnels or a military command center under the hospital. The absence of such evidence raises questions about the veracity of Israel's assertions.
The general secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative, Mustafa Barghouti, expressed doubt about the evidence Israel provided.
He asserted that there was insufficient evidence to support his claim that the army could have easily planted the videos, despite the display of a Kalashnikov and a laptop.
Hamas has vehemently denied the latest statements by the Israeli military, accusing them of lying and orchestrating the placement of weapons in the hospital.
Senior Hamas member Ezzat El Rashq called for an independent committee from the United Nations, the World HealthOrganization, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to verify Israel's claims regarding tunnels under Gaza hospitals. “„The occupation forces are still lying … as they brought some weapons, clothes and tools and placed them in the hospital in a scandalous manner.- Senior Hamas member Ezzat El Rashq
Mustafa Barghouti noted that Israel has consistently rejected calls for an independent, international investigation, suggesting that they resist scrutiny because they are aware of the falsehoods in their claims.
“„All they’ve shown is a Kalashnikov and a laptop that they could have put there easily and claim that it was found there.- Mustafa Barghouti, the general secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative
The destruction of the specialized surgery building within the medical facility has left partitions, walls, and medical equipment completely demolished. Hundreds of patients, along with doctors, nurses, and over 2,000 othersseeking shelter, remain in the hospital. As the conflict intensifies, concerns grow about the impact on civilians, the destruction of medical facilities, and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The international community closely watches developments in this deeply contentious situation.
In the heart of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the ongoing raids on Gaza's al-Shifa Hospital underscore a complex narrative of claims and counterclaims.
While Israel asserts that the hospital serves as a Hamas command center, skeptics question the evidence presented and the lack of proof regarding the alleged tunnels.
As the destruction unfolds and international calls for independent verification persist, the situation remains tense, with the focus shifting to the impact on civilians and the destruction of critical medical facilities amid a deeply contentious conflict.