Israel launches another operation in Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital amid accusations of sheltering Hamas militants

NEW DELHI: Israeli forces launched another raid on Gaza's largest hospital, Al-Shifa Hospital, early Monday, alleging that Hamas militants had regrouped there and were firing on them from inside the compound. Palestinian officials said that tens of thousands of people were seeking shelter at the hospital.
The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, criticized Israel for obstructing aid delivery to Gaza, leading to a man-made famine in the region where starvation is being used as a weapon of war.
Israeli army previously raided Shifa Hospital in November, claiming Hamas had a command centre within the facility. However, the evidence presented did not fully support these claims, with critics accusing the army of endangering civilians. People inside the hospital reported that Israeli forces, supported by tanks and artillery, surrounded the complex and conducted raids, leading to the detention of numerous individuals.
Gaza's health ministry reported that around 30,000 people, including patients, medical staff, and displaced individuals, were taking refuge at the hospital. Rear adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief Israeli military spokesperson, stated that a 'high-precision operation' was carried out targeting senior Hamas militants directing attacks from the medical complex.
Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals to shield fighters, resulting in the closure of several medical facilities due to fuel and medical shortages. The ongoing conflict has caused a significant toll on Gaza's population, with thousands of Palestinians killed and injured in Israeli strikes.
The Gaza health ministry disclosed that the war has claimed the lives of at least 31,726 Palestinians, with 81 fatalities in the past 24 hours. The ministry highlighted that a majority of the casualties were women and children. The conflict was initiated by Hamas' attack into southern Israel, which led to a series of hostilities and hostage situations.
Efforts to negotiate a cease-fire and secure the release of captives have been ongoing, with the United States, Qatar, and Egypt involved in mediation. However, the gap between the two sides remains wide, as Hamas seeks guarantees for ending the war while Israel vows to continue its offensive until the militant group is dismantled.
The humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza, particularly in Gaza City, has been severe, with residents facing food shortages and limited access to essential resources. Malnutrition and dehydration have led to the deaths of at least 20 individuals, mostly children, in the region.
International aid, including airdrops and sea deliveries, has been initiated to address the growing humanitarian needs. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized the urgency of providing aid and called on Israel to facilitate the transportation of essential supplies through additional border crossings.
Borrell criticized the delays in aid distribution, attributing them to inspection processes and logistical challenges. Aid organizations underscored the difficulties in delivering assistance amid ongoing conflict and security concerns in Gaza.
Despite assertions from Israeli authorities that aid entry is unrestricted, aid groups highlighted obstacles in distributing aid effectively within Gaza. The situation remains critical, with challenges in coordinating shipments and ensuring timely distribution to those in need.