Israeli Troops Return to Al-Shifa Hospital, Claiming Hamas Presence
JERUSALEM — After four months since the initial storming of Gaza’s largest hospital, al-Shifa, by Israeli troops, they have returned with claims of a Hamas command and control center operating within its walls.
The Israeli military stated that they had “concrete intelligence” indicating a regrouping of Hamas operatives at the hospital. Palestinians have expressed their fears of being caught in the middle of intense battles as a result.
This recent raid not only sheds light on the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza but also serves as a stark reminder that Hamas remains a formidable force in the region.
Analysts are emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address the Islamist group and to establish a clear plan for the post-war governance of Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reported “over 140 terrorists” killed in ongoing clashes at al-Shifa, with around 600 arrests made, including top Hamas and Islamic Jihad commanders. Additionally, two Israeli soldiers have lost their lives in the operation.
Recent Israeli intelligence indicates that senior Hamas figures have resumed activities at al-Shifa, with some even relocating their families to the hospital. The IDF claims to have discovered weapons caches and a significant amount of cash on the premises.
Hamas has refuted allegations that their fighters were stationed at the hospital, asserting that those killed were either wounded patients or displaced individuals.
Eye-witnesses in Gaza have recounted instances of gunfire and Israeli airstrikes endangering patients, medical personnel, and hundreds of civilians seeking refuge within the hospital compound.
Footage captured by a local journalist shows smoke billowing from the complex, while another unverified video shared on social media depicts women and children huddled together inside a building, uncertain of their fate.
Amid communication restrictions since the operation’s initiation, reaching out to medics and others on the ground has proven challenging.
Accusations of potential violations of international law arose last November when Israeli tanks closed in on al-Shifa, resulting in casualties, including premature babies due to deteriorating conditions within the besieged hospital.
Following the incident, the IDF released surveillance footage showing hostages taken from Israel being brought into the hospital, prompting a thorough search that led to the destruction of a tunnel complex underneath the site.
While initial reports suggested the dismantling of Hamas brigades in Gaza, subsequent intelligence indicated the regrouping of smaller cells, highlighting the group’s resilience despite significant losses.
Efforts by Hamas to restore governance functions, such as policing and aid distribution, have raised concerns among international stakeholders, particularly the United States, about the absence of a viable strategy to counter Hamas influence.
The US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, has expressed apprehension over Israel’s ability to sustain a campaign against Hamas and avoid a resurgence of the group in Gaza.
With a focus on promoting individuals associated with the Palestinian Authority and collaborating with Arab states to prevent a power vacuum, the US is urging Israel to consider alternatives to Hamas rule in Gaza.
Reports suggest that Israeli security officials are devising plans to distribute aid in coordination with non-Hamas Palestinian leaders and businessmen, aiming to establish a Palestinian-led governing authority in the region.
While the operation at Shifa Hospital is anticipated to last several days, it is distinct from the military activities in Rafah, which Israel deems necessary to conclude its conflict with Hamas.
Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of an offensive near the Egypt border, given the large number of displaced residents in Gaza, highlighting the complexities of the situation.
Despite preparations for a Rafah operation, the timing remains uncertain, with considerations for the ongoing Ramadan period and the need to build up forces in Gaza before any significant military engagement.
Experts believe that effective action in Rafah would necessitate coordination with Egypt and the US, underscoring the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
