The Israeli military has been engaged in a week-long operation against Palestinian terrorists holed up inside Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical center in Gaza. Despite the blatant use of the hospital by terror groups, the World Health Organization has remained silent on the issue. Itamar Yaar, a former deputy head of Israel’s National Security Council, stated that Hamas has admitted to using various hospitals in Gaza for military purposes. Israel faced international criticism for entering the hospital in search of terrorists, ultimately uncovering a subterranean system beneath the hospital, used as a command and control center by Hamas.
Israel chose to withdraw from the hospital area, leaving it largely intact so that it could continue to provide medical services to Gazan civilians who remained in the war zone despite evacuation calls. Yaar emphasized that Hamas’ return to the hospital was likely due to the destruction of nearby buildings and possibly with the cooperation of medical staff who feared repercussions if they refused to allow terror activities within the premises. Despite claims that the World Health Organization may have been aware of these activities, there has been no public condemnation from the organization.
Israeli forces have reported significant successes in their operation at Al-Shifa Hospital, having killed and arrested numerous terrorists. They also discovered hidden funds, weapons, and ammunition within the hospital’s offices. A statement from the Shin Bet and IDF revealed that top operatives from Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas had been apprehended during the operation. While some terrorists remain barricaded inside the hospital, Israel claims to have conducted the operation without causing harm to patients or medical staff, contrary to unfounded allegations of abuse and rape made by a Gaza woman.
Hamas has a history of utilizing hospitals in Gaza for military activities, which goes against the protection hospitals should be afforded under international humanitarian law. Tal Mimran, from the Cyber Security Research Center, noted that Hamas’ use of hospitals for military purposes, including command and control, is part of their standard practice. The Israeli military’s engagement in and around Gaza’s hospitals has become a significant aspect of the ongoing conflict, with efforts made to minimize collateral damage and protect civilians and medical personnel.
Despite the nuanced nature of utilizing hospitals for military operations, international humanitarian law does allow for exceptions when such facilities are used to gain a military advantage. Mimran pointed out the Israeli military’s efforts to operate respectfully within the hospital environment, ensuring the safety of patients and medical staff during their operations. While the WHO has faced criticism for remaining silent on the issue, Israeli forces continue to dismantle Hamas’ military structure in Gaza, targeting key operatives and disrupting terrorist activities from within hospitals.
