IDF Conducts “Precise and Targeted Operation” Against Hamas at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza

Early Wednesday morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a “precise and targeted operation” against Hamas in a specified area of Al-Shifa hospital, the largest hospital in Gaza. The IDF had previously warned Hamas against using the hospital as a base for its operations.

The IDF said in a statement that it had given the relevant authorities in Gaza a 12-hour ultimatum to cease all military activities within the hospital, but that Hamas had not complied. The Israeli military claims that Hamas is using the hospital to conceal military operations, which violates international law.

The operation comes after President Biden said on Tuesday that hospitals in the Gaza Strip must be protected. Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip have been brought to hospitals in the region, including Al-Shifa.

The IDF said the operation was based on intelligence and “operation necessity.” It is unclear how long the operation will last or what the outcome will be. The Israeli military has not released any further information about the operation.