Israeli Troops Storm Gazas Largest Hospital

Israeli troops raided Gazas largest hospital, searching for Hamas militants. The hospital has been without electricity and other basic necessities for days.

Israeli troops stormed into Gaza's largest hospital on Wednesday, searching for traces of Hamas inside and beneath the facility. The raid came after days of fighting raged outside the hospital, leaving newborns and hundreds of other patients without electricity and other basic necessities.

Details of the Raid

Details from the raid remained sketchy, but officials from Israel and Gaza presented different accounts of what was happening at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The Israeli army released video showing soldiers carrying boxes labelled as "baby food” and "medical supplies,” while health officials talked of terrified staff and patients as troops moved through the buildings.

Hamas Denial

Hamas and Gaza health officials deny militants operate in Shifa. Palestinians and rights groups say Israel has recklessly endangered civilians as it seeks to eradicate Hamas.

The War Between Israel and Hamas

The war between Israel and Hamas erupted after the militant group killed some 1,200 people and seized around 240 captives in an October 7 attack that shattered Israelis sense of security. Israeli airstrikes have since killed thousands of Palestinians and unleashed widespread destruction in Gaza.

The Raid Condemned

The raid drew condemnation from Jordan and the West Banks Palestinian Authority, which called it a violation of international law. UN aid chief Martin Griffiths said he was "appalled” by the raid, saying the protection of civilians "must override all other concerns.”

A Trickle of Fuel for Aid Workers

About two thirds of the territory's 2.3 million people have fled their homes — and most are now squeezed into the southern part of the narrow coastal strip. Conditions there have been deteriorating, as bombardment continues to level buildings. Residents say bread is scarce and supermarket shelves are bare. Families cook on wood fires for lack of fuel. Central electricity and running water have been out for weeks across Gaza.

Looking South

Israeli troops have extended their control across northern Gaza. The military says Israeli forces took control of the Shati refugee camp, a densely built district, and are moving about freely in the city as a whole. The military says its forces have found weapons and Hamas fighters in government buildings, schools and residential buildings. Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza.

The raid on Shifa Hospital has raised concerns about the safety of medical facilities in Gaza and the protection of civilians during the conflict. The situation in Gaza remains critical, with the death toll continuing to rise and the humanitarian crisis deepening. The international community must take urgent action to bring an end to the violence and ensure the protection of civilians.