Since the Israeli army began attacking the Gaza Strip after the October 7 Hamas incident, the al-Shifa Hospital in the northern part of Gaza has been in the spotlight. Over the past five days, it has been a focal point as the death toll in Gaza has risen, with more than 11,500 Palestinians, nearly half of them children, killed by Israeli forces.
Disturbing scenes are unfolding at the hospital, with snipers targeting anyone trying to move between medical buildings, leading to international outcry. However, the Israeli army seems undeterred.
Why Al-Shifa Hospital is So Important
Al-Shifa Hospital is not just a regular hospital; it means a lot more.
This historic medical place, known as the "House of Healing," is like the heart of Gaza. It's been around since the time when the British ruled over Palestine and turned into a hospital in 1946 after starting as British army barracks. Despite facing wars and years of Israeli occupation, it stood strong.
But things have gotten tough lately. Since last month, it hasn't been getting the urgent medicine and fuel it needs. And that was before Israeli troops came in, blowing up what little medicine they had left. The hospital staff even had to bury many people in a mass grave on the grounds because they had no other choice. You can still see dead bodies lying around in the courtyard.
Al-Shifa isn't just a place for medical help; it's also like the nerve center for the Gaza government's important offices. Health ministry officials have had press conferences there, and the government's media ministry has been working from the hospital.
Even when the rest of Gaza lost its internet connection because of Israel, Al-Shifa kept its internet running. That's why it's become a hotspot for journalists, some of whom are stuck there now. The hospital director and its staff have been giving updates, often disagreeing with what Israel says, like the claim on Wednesday that aid was allowed into the hospital.
For many Palestinians, Al-Shifa is more than just a hospital. It's a symbol of strength, standing up against a much stronger military force that doesn't hold back. The heartbreaking images of dead babies and injured children broadcast from the hospital have inspired millions to hit the streets in support of the Palestinians.
Why is Israel doing this?
Israel aims to take control of Gaza's security in the future, which contradicts the United States' stance favoring the Palestinian Authority. Despite this difference, both Israel and the U.S. share the goal of "destroying" Hamas, requiring the expansion of the ground operation. Taking over the main hospital, like al-Shifa, is crucial in this plan.
For Israel, al-Shifa has become a strategic hub that it wants to dismantle, seeing it as the stronghold of Hamas's military and administrative capabilities. The outcome at the hospital could impact negotiations on releasing captives and allowing much-needed aid and fuel into Gaza.
A doctor at the hospital, Munir al-Bursh, revealed to Israeli forces that their presence is creating a "state of fear and hysteria," as recorded by Al Jazeera on Wednesday. The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor suggests that the army might be setting the stage for a future release, given its sole control over the hospital's atmosphere.
Israel's targeting of hospitals, including the recent accusation of a deadly attack on al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, has sparked deep controversy. Israel and the West attributed the incident to Palestinian fighters firing a faulty rocket from within the Gaza Strip.
What's Happening at Al-Shifa?
The Israeli army has been tightening its grip on Al-Shifa Hospital in the past few days. In their ground offensive into northern Gaza, they surrounded the largest hospital with soldiers, tanks, armored vehicles, attack drones, and snipers.
Now, Israeli troops have entered the hospital, going into various departments. They've set up electronic checkpoints at multiple doors, and their tanks are in the courtyard. Unfortunately, thousands of people, including displaced Palestinians, critically ill patients, and exhausted medical staff, are still stuck inside.
Reports say Israeli troops targeted generators and communication units before entering. They also interrogated dozens of people who were stripped and blindfolded, and their access to water and basic hygiene had already been cut off.
(Information from Al Jazeera)
Is Hamas under the hospital?
Israel claims that Hamas has a main command center operating from within and under the hospital, leading them to lay siege to the crucial Gaza hospital.
This assertion has received support from the US, causing Hamas to hold Washington "wholly responsible" for effectively allowing an attack on a hospital filled with civilians.
Neither Tel Aviv nor the White House has provided independently verified evidence to support this claim, which has been contradicted by several doctors and staff at the hospital.
There is no clear evidence that some of the captives taken by Hamas during its October 7 attack are being held within the hospital.
Israel has also denied access to independent third parties to verify claims from each side. Historically, such heavily disputed claims have remained unproven.
