Gaza (Washington Insider Magazine)— Israel has claimed that it killed over 170 gunmen during a military operation at Gaza’s main hospital, resulting in the deaths of five patients, according to Palestinian authorities.
The conflict escalated on Saturday at the primary hospital in Gaza, where Israel asserts it has targeted more than 170 armed individuals in a widespread operation. Palestinian Health Ministry reports confirm the deaths of five patients in the assault.
Israeli military officials allege that hospitals in the Palestinian territory, embroiled in conflict for over five months, have frequently served as strongholds for Hamas militants, housing weapons and bases. However, Hamas and medical personnel deny these claims.
According to vozdeamerica, Israeli troops initiated the operation at Al Shifa early on Monday, conducting searches throughout the sprawling complex. The military asserts that the hospital is linked to a network of tunnels utilized as a base by Hamas and other Palestinian fighters.\
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, five injured Palestinians trapped inside Al Shifa succumbed to their injuries due to inadequate care, lack of water, and food over six days. The ministry also reported deteriorating conditions for other wounded patients.
In response to the situation, the health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza stated that Israeli forces detained dozens of patients and medical staff at Al Shifa, located in Gaza City’s northern area under Israeli control for a week.
Reuters has been unable to verify the accounts provided by both sides independently.
Al Shifa, formerly the largest hospital in Gaza before the conflict, now operates only partially, like other regional health facilities. It has also served as a temporary shelter for a significant portion of the nearly 2 million displaced civilians, representing over 80% of Gaza’s population affected by the war.
Residents reported Israeli forces demolishing numerous houses and apartments near the hospital and causing damage to infrastructure, including roads. They also alleged that the nearby private medical facility, Al-Helo Hospital, was targeted by the military.
