The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have surrounded the Al-Shifa medical complex in Gaza, where approximately 30,000 people were seeking shelter, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The IDF stated that the operation was based on intelligence indicating that the hospital was being used by 'senior Hamas terrorists.'
Israeli forces shared video footage showing what they claimed to be 'terrorist fire' coming from buildings within Al-Shifa hospital towards Israeli troops. The Palestinian health ministry reported multiple casualties as a result of the ongoing military operation.
Key Updates:
On the Ground at Al-Shifa: A displaced Palestinian at Al-Shifa described military vehicles firing at the hospital buildings and individuals moving within the hallways. The Israeli military operation reportedly began around 2 a.m. local time.
Journalist Arrested at Hospital: Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent Ismail Al-Ghoul was reportedly arrested at the Al-Shifa Medical Complex along with his crew. They were said to have been severely beaten before being taken to an undisclosed location.
WHO Chief Voices Concern: The World Health Organization's head expressed concern over the situation at Al-Shifa Hospital, emphasizing that hospitals should not be battlegrounds.
Aid Program Warns of Famine: The World Food Programme issued a statement warning of imminent famine in northern Gaza, with 88% of the region's population facing emergency or worse food insecurity.
Biden and Netanyahu Call: US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had their first known phone conversation in over a month. They discussed Rafah and humanitarian assistance to Gaza amid escalating tensions.
