Israeli Forces Enter Gaza's Largest Hospital

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Image copyright: Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

  • Israeli forces entered al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City early on Wednesday in what they characterized as a "precise and targeted operation" against Hamas, only hours after the US backed its claims that the militant group was using the hospital as a command center. International aid agencies expressed alarm, with the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), describing reports of an incursion as "deeply concerning."

  • The Israeli military claimed that it found weapons in the hospital's basement after clashing with Palestinian militants. A top official at the hospital said Israeli forces were still operating inside the facility and that civilians were still present inside as well; the Israeli military said that it would provide medical assistance to patients and safe passage for civilians.

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The Spin

Pro-Israel narrative

Israel has presented evidence that terrorists from Hamas have placed their headquarters underneath hospitals in Gaza, specifically to use civilians at the facilities as human shields. Indeed, the US has also verified that Hamas is using al-Shifa as a command center. Despite this, Israel, which has the right to defend its borders, is doing everything it can to minimize harm to the civilian population and provide aid while conducting critical military operations.

Jerusalem Post

Pro-Palestine narrative

Even if Israel's claims that Hamas is using hospitals as bases of operations are valid, it has an obligation under international law to protect hospitals during armed conflict. As Israel is committing horrendous human rights violations in Gaza, the international community must step up efforts to end the assault on Palestinians and work to address a humanitarian cataclysm.

Middle East Eye

Metaculus Prediction

Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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