Israel launches military operation in Gaza main hospital

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has reported that, based on intelligence information and operational necessity, they are conducting a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a designated area at Shifa Hospital.

Source: Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Telegram

Quote: "The IDF is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and rescue our hostages. Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza."

Details: The IDF forces include medical teams and Arabic-speaking people who have undergone special training in order not to harm civilians used as human shields by Hamas.

The statement emphasised that the IDF has consistently issued public warnings in recent weeks, highlighting that utilising Shifa Hospital for military purposes puts its protected status under international law at risk, "and enabled ample time to stop this unlawful abuse of the hospital".

Yesterday [on Monday, 13 November – ed.], the IDF again informed the relevant authorities in Gaza that all military operations in the hospital must be stopped within 12 hours, "unfortunately, it did not".

The IDF also highlighted that it facilitated the large-scale evacuation of the hospital and maintained regular communication with the hospital management, "We call upon all Hamas terrorists present in the hospital to surrender".

Background: 

• On 31 October, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported that they had started fighting Hamas in the underground tunnels of the Gaza Strip.
• On 5 November, the IDF reported they had completely encircled the city of Gaza and divided the coastal enclave in two.
• Mark Regev, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Senior Advisor for Foreign Affairs and International Communications, said that Israel is not planning a long-term occupation of the Gaza Strip after the war against Hamas, but it will be responsible for security in the region.
• Yoav Gallant, Defence Minister of Israel, said on 13 November that Hamas had "lost control" of the Gaza Strip and was retreating south.
• On 14 November, the IDF revealed evidence that the Hamas terrorist group had used the basement of a hospital in Gaza City to hide weapons and possibly hold hostages kidnapped on 7 October.

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