Gaza: Israeli military forces have reportedly entered Gaza's al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, unleashing heavy gunfire and leading to casualties, according to Palestinian officials.
The Israeli military stated on Monday that it is conducting what it terms a "precise operation" within the medical facility. Meanwhile, Gaza's Ministry of Health reported that approximately 30,000 individuals, including displaced civilians, wounded patients, and medical personnel, are trapped inside the hospital complex, reported Al Jazeera.
According to the Israeli military, the operation is aimed at targeting Hamas militants allegedly using the hospital as a base to plan attacks against Israel.
The military claims that Hamas has "regrouped" within al-Shifa Hospital despite previous Israeli operations in northern Gaza, which purportedly dismantled their military infrastructure.
Reports from Gaza indicate that the situation inside the hospital is dire, with residents describing intense clashes and individuals being targeted by gunfire.
Witnesses have reported arrests made by Israeli forces within the hospital premises, including that of Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent Ismail al-Ghoul, who was allegedly severely beaten before being detained along with others.
The Israeli military later confirmed the death of one of its soldiers during the raid on the hospital, bringing the total number of Israeli military casualties in the Gaza conflict to 250.
Despite Israeli claims of conducting a humanitarian effort during the assault, reports suggest that loudspeakers were used to instruct hundreds of people to evacuate the hospital. Footage verified by Al Jazeera shows Palestinians fleeing the area as Israeli forces initiated operations.
In response to the escalating violence, the Government Media Office in Gaza condemned the operation, labeling it a "war crime" and accusing Israel of using fabricated narratives to justify its actions.
Palestinian journalist Wadea Abu Alsoud, trapped inside the medical complex described the situation as "catastrophic".
In a video posted on X, he said it might be his last video. "We’re now besieged inside al-Shifa Hospital. We’re being heavily shot at. The occupation suddenly raided the hospital and its vicinity. As you can hear now, there are intense clashes in the vicinity of al-Shifa Hospital. We’re hearing sounds coming from the gate. There is shrapnel falling over the hospital’s yard."
The Health Ministry in Gaza has also reported damage to numerous health facilities, highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.