Israeli navy says troops raid Gaza’s Shifa Hospital By Reuters

JERUSALEM (Reuters) – The Israeli navy stated on Monday its troops raided the compound of Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital, in an operation Palestinian well being authorities stated had brought on a number of casualties and set off a fierce fireplace in one of many buildings.

The navy stated troopers have been conducting a “exact operation” and have been fired upon once they entered the compound. “The troops responded with dwell fireplace and hits have been recognized. Our troops are persevering with to function within the space of the hospital,” it added.

The assertion from the navy stated the operation was based mostly on intelligence info which indicated the hospital was being utilized by senior Hamas leaders.

Gaza’s Well being Ministry stated a fireplace broke out on the entrance of the advanced, inflicting circumstances of suffocation amongst displaced ladies and kids within the hospital.

It stated communication had been lower off, with individuals trapped contained in the surgical procedure and emergency models of one of many buildings.

“There are casualties, together with deaths and accidents, and it is not possible to rescue anybody as a result of depth of the fireplace and focusing on of anybody approaching the home windows,” the ministry stated, accusing Israeli forces of “one other crime towards well being establishments”.

The navy stated troops had been instructed on the significance of working cautiously in addition to on measures to be taken to keep away from hurt to sufferers, civilians, medical workers and medical gear and stated sufferers weren’t required to evacuate.

Hamas stated in an announcement the Israeli navy had dedicated a brand new crime by instantly focusing on the hospital buildings with out caring about sufferers, medical workers or displaced individuals in it.

Israel got here underneath fierce criticism final 12 months when troops first raided the hospital, the place they uncovered tunnels close by they stated have been used as command and management centres by Hamas.

The hospital in Gaza Metropolis is among the few remaining well being services left within the besieged enclave and the Israeli navy has lengthy accused the Islamist motion Hamas of utilizing it as a base for its fighters.

Hamas and hospital officers have denied the accusation and the hospital has been on the centre of accusations of warfare crimes on each side, with Palestinians accusing Israel of focusing on hospitals and Israel saying the websites have been getting used to shelter armed fighters.