Israeli soldiers enter Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza; tanks enter emergency department
Tel Aviv: Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stormed Al-Shift Hospital in Gaza City. According to reports tanks and commando soldiers have entered the hospital's main emergency department.
Nighttime Operation Against Hamas
The "precise and targeted operations against Hamas" was announced in the dead of night, just after 02:00 local time, reports BBC.
IDF Operation Update
IDF has posted the following operation update on X: IDF forces are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital, based on intelligence information and an operational necessity.
Complex Operation with Medical Teams
According to IDF, the forces include medical teams and Arabic speakers, who have undergone specified training to prepare for this complex and sensitive environment, with the intent that no harm is caused to the civilians being used by Hamas as human shields.
U.S. Intelligence on Hamas Command Centre
The United States has stated that it possesses intelligence indicating that Hamas has established a command centre beneath Al-Shifa hospital. According to John Kirby, a spokesperson for National Security, the group has reportedly stored weapons there and is prepared for a potential Israeli attack.