Israeli Forces Raid Biggest Hospital in Gaza
Israeli forces have raided Nasser Hospital in Gaza, the largest functioning hospital in the area. The raid was described by Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari as “precise and limited,” based on credible information that Hamas was hiding in the facility and holding hostages. However, Hamas has called Israel’s claim “lies.” The raid has caused chaos and panic, as seen in videos posted online showing darkened corridors filled with dust and smoke.
Forced Evacuation and Displacement
Health authorities in Gaza have reported that Israel forced out displaced people and families of medical staff who were sheltering in Nasser Hospital. Around 2,000 people arrived in the southern border city of Rafah overnight, with some pushing north to Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza. The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, with Hamas sending fighters into Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the seizure of 253 hostages.
Devastation and Displacement
Israel’s air and ground offensive has devastated Gaza, killing 28,663 people, mostly civilians, according to health authorities in the Hamas-run strip. This has forced nearly all of its inhabitants from their homes. The UN humanitarian office expressed concern about the siege of Nasser Hospital by Israeli forces and allegations of sniper fire at the facility. This endangers the lives of medics, patients, and thousands of displaced people seeking refuge there.
The Impossible Choice
Medicins San Frontieres, a medical charity, stated that people ordered by Israel to evacuate the hospital faced an impossible choice. They could either stay and become potential targets or leave into an apocalyptic landscape of bombings. The destruction of Gaza’s medical facilities has caused particular concern throughout the conflict. There have been Israeli raids on hospitals in other cities, shelling near hospitals, and the targeting of ambulances.
Israel’s Accusations
Israel accuses Hamas of regularly using hospitals, ambulances, and other medical facilities for military purposes. The Israeli military has aired footage taken by its troops showing tunnels containing weapons below some hospitals. However, these allegations have been denied by Hamas. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri called Israel’s statement about hiding fighters or keeping hostages at the hospital “lies.” He added that previous Israeli allegations against hospitals had proven to be false.
Chaos and Terror
Videos verified by Reuters show scenes of chaos and terror inside Nasser Hospital. Men are seen walking through dark corridors using the lights from their phones, with plaster dust swirling around and debris lying in the corridors. Gunshots can be heard in one video, with a doctor shouting for everyone to take cover. Another man in a video claims that the Israeli army has surrounded the hospital, preventing anyone from leaving. The World Health Organization has previously reported that half of the medical staff at Nasser Hospital had already fled.
Conclusion
The raid on Nasser Hospital by Israeli forces has caused chaos and panic in Gaza. Israel claims that the raid was based on credible information about Hamas hiding in the facility and holding hostages. However, Hamas denies these allegations. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in the devastation of Gaza, with thousands of people displaced and medical facilities being targeted. The situation at Nasser Hospital highlights the difficult choices faced by those seeking refuge and medical care in the midst of the conflict. International pressure is mounting on Israel to show restraint in its offensive, particularly in areas where civilians are still present.