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International Outcry as Israel Launches Operation in Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital
In a troubling turn of events, Israel has launched a targeted operation within Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, accusing Hamas of using it as a command center. The move has trapped over 2,300 patients, staff, and displaced civilians, sparking international condemnation. Here’s a snapshot of the unfolding crisis as of November 15, 2023.
Published: November 15, 2023
In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel has initiated a “targeted operation” within Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim the hospital is being used as a command center by Hamas, while the move has trapped over 2,300 patients, staff, and displaced civilians, drawing international criticism.
Here are the latest developments in the unfolding crisis:
- Precise Operation Against Hamas: Israeli troops are conducting what they describe as a “precise and targeted operation against Hamas” inside the Al-Shifa hospital.
- Warnings and Calls for Surrender: The IDF issued a statement, stating that they had given notice to the relevant authorities in Gaza, demanding that all military activities within the hospital cease within 12 hours. They also called on Hamas operatives within the hospital to surrender.
- Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding: The United Nations estimates that a staggering 2,300 individuals, including patients, staff, and displaced civilians, are trapped inside the Al-Shifa hospital due to days of intense fighting and aerial bombardments.
- Plight of Newborns: The hospital, as of Tuesday, was caring for 36 babies. Efforts to evacuate them have been hindered, with reports indicating a lack of a clear mechanism for their safe relocation, despite Israeli attempts to provide incubators.
- Tragic Losses: Three premature babies have already lost their lives since the Al-Shifa hospital ran out of fuel to power generators that sustained their incubators over the weekend.
- Catastrophic Conditions: Aid agencies and medical staff on the ground describe the situation as “catastrophic,” with medical procedures happening without anesthesia, families living in corridors with minimal food and water, and the scent of decomposing corpses permeating the air.
- Dire Situation in Morgues: Hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya reported bodies scattered throughout the hospital complex, highlighting the lack of electricity in the morgues.
- Accusations Against Hamas: Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of using Gaza’s hospitals to hide command posts and hostages through underground tunnels.
- Hamas Blames President Biden: In response, Hamas has squarely placed blame on US President Joe Biden, accusing him of being “wholly responsible” for the operations at Al-Shifa hospital.
- Hamas Statement: Hamas issued a statement, saying, “We hold the occupation (Israel) and President Biden wholly responsible for the assault on the Al-Shifa medical complex.”
As the international community closely watches the unfolding crisis, concerns grow over the humanitarian impact of military actions within a medical facility. The situation in Gaza demands urgent attention to prevent further loss of life and address the dire conditions faced by those trapped in Al-Shifa hospital. Please note that the information provided is based on available sources as of November 15, 2023.
