The Israeli military has been engaged in a week-long operation targeting terrorists inside Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, the largest medical center in the region. Despite this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has remained silent on the use of the hospital by Palestinian terror groups. Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters have barricaded themselves within the hospital, using it as a base for their military activities. Israel has faced international criticism for allowing its troops to enter the hospital to search for terrorists and bunkers.
The CEO of Commanders for Israeli Security, Itamar Yaar, stated that Hamas uses hospitals for military activities because they believe Israel will not risk sending troops to these sites. Israel discovered a subterranean system beneath Al-Shifa Hospital during previous operations, including command and control centers and rooms where hostages were held. Israeli forces withdrew from the area, leaving the hospital largely intact to serve civilians who remained despite calls to evacuate. Yaar suggested that the hospital staff may have been complicit in Hamas’ activities.
Yaar also claimed that the World Health Organization was likely aware of Hamas’ use of the hospital but chose to remain silent to protect local civilians. Israeli forces have killed terrorists, discovered hidden funds, and arrested key operatives during the ongoing operation in Al-Shifa Hospital. Hamas fighters see the hospital as a safe zone with essential resources like electricity, water, and food, making it an attractive base for their activities. Israeli officials have refuted claims of abuse of patients or medical staff during the operation.
The use of hospitals for military purposes by Hamas has become a significant element in the conflict with Israel. Under international humanitarian law, hospitals are granted special protection during wartime, but Hamas’ actions constitute exceptions to these rules. The IDF has been operating in and around Gaza’s hospitals with increased significance during this conflict, aiming to minimize harm to civilians and medical staff. Israeli forces have previously battled terror groups in other hospitals in Gaza and have encountered challenges due to Hamas’ tactics.
The WHO has refuted accusations of colluding with Hamas and stated that their priority is the health and wellbeing of all people. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has seen a surge in violence, with Israeli forces targeting key operatives within hospitals used by terror groups. Israel has been criticized for its military operations in hospitals, but it maintains that it is necessary to neutralize terrorist threats. The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with continued clashes between Hamas and Israeli forces posing challenges for the civilian population and medical staff caught in the crossfire.
