On Tuesday night, Israeli forces raided Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in the besieged enclave and a refuge for many patients and displaced people.
The raid came after weeks of Israeli allegations, with little evidence, that Hamas operates a command center beneath the hospital.
However, the raid did not find any proof of such a claim, raising questions about Israel’s motives and intentions.
The Media Access and the Findings
The BBC and Fox News were the initial media organizations permitted by the Israeli military to enter Al-Shifa Hospital, but they were restricted to filming only in areas selected by Israel. The Israeli military claimed that they found “certain things” in the hospital but did not specify what they were or how they related to Hamas. In fact, Israel’s Army Radio reported that no hostages, Hamas tunnels, or a command center were found at the site.
The Responses from Al-Shifa Hospital Medical Staff
Professionals at Al-Shifa Hospital, including plastic surgeon Ahmed Mokhallalati, have consistently refuted claims of the hospital being used for military operations, emphasizing its civilian nature. They have also invited international organizations to inspect the hospital and verify its neutrality.
Mokhallalati said that the hospital is “a place of healing, not a place of war” and that the Israeli raid was “a violation of international law and human rights”.
BBC Fact Checks Isreal’s Claims About Al-Shifa Hospital. Credits: BBC
Israel’s Current Stance and Contradictions
Post-raid, Israel has yet to provide evidence supporting its assertions about Al-Shifa Hospital being a Hamas command hub.
Former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, disclosed in a EuroNews interview that the Hamas command center is actually in Khan Younis, not Al-Shifa Hospital.
Following this, Israeli forces began urging residents in parts of Khan Younis to evacuate, leaving previously displaced individuals from the north now facing evacuation from the south.
The raid on Al-Shifa Hospital has raised doubts about Israel’s credibility and accountability, as well as its respect for international humanitarian law and the sanctity of medical facilities.
The raid has also exposed the vulnerability of Gaza’s health system, which is already struggling under the impact of the Israeli blockade and the ongoing bombardment.
The international community must act urgently to protect the civilians and the health workers in Gaza, and to end the cycle of violence and injustice.
YOU MAY ALSO READ ON PRUDENCE JOURNAL
Peter Obi’s Impact on Nigeria’s 2023 Election: Paving the Way for Multi-Party Democracy
Nigeria’s Knowledge Drain: Exodus of Healthcare Professionals Hurting the Nation
REVIEW: Jagun Jagun – A Nigerian action drama showcasing the Yoruba culture
Uganda’s Ongoing Struggle for Democracy and Human Rights
Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses – A Blend of Style and Functionality
How South Africa’s Faith Leaders are Working Together to Solve the Nation’s Crises
Crisis Unfolds as Palestinian Hamas Launches Major Attack on Israel
Nigeria at 63: A Nation on The Edge of a Costly Strike and Independence Celebration