Israel signals wider operations in southern Gaza as search of hospital has yet to reveal Hamas base

Israeli military forces have initiated a leaflet campaign in the southern regions of Gaza, urging civilians to vacate certain areas. This action indicates a potential escalation of military activities in regions already densely populated with people who have complied with previous evacuation directives, taking refuge in shelters and homes.

Concurrently, Israeli soldiers are conducting a thorough search of the Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza. The operation, which commenced on Wednesday, aims to uncover a purported Hamas command center, which Israeli authorities claim is located beneath the hospital. Both Hamas and the hospital’s staff refute these claims.

The expansion of military efforts to the south, where air raids are a daily occurrence, could exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. An estimated 1.5 million individuals have been displaced within Gaza, many of whom have sought safety in the southern part of the region where resources such as food, water, and electricity are dwindling.

This conflict, which has now entered its sixth week, was instigated by a large-scale attack by Hamas into southern Israel on October 7. During this attack, over 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, were killed, and approximately 240 people, including men, women, and children, were captured. Israel retaliated with an air campaign and a ground invasion into northern Gaza, declaring their intention to overthrow Hamas and dismantle its military infrastructure.

Palestinian health authorities report that over 11,200 Palestinians have been killed, with two-thirds being women and minors. Additionally, around 2,700 individuals are reported missing, many presumed to be trapped under debris. The provided figures do not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties.

Israeli troops have infiltrated Gaza’s largest hospital, Shifa, searching for evidence of Hamas’s presence. The hospital has been without electricity and other essential resources for several days, affecting newborns and hundreds of patients. Soldiers are investigating the hospital’s underground levels and have detained staff members responsible for operating medical equipment.

Amidst allegations of Hamas using civilians and hospital staff as human shields, the Israeli military has been under pressure to substantiate its claims. Inside Shifa, soldiers discovered duffel bags containing weapons and Hamas uniforms near an MRI lab. However, these claims have not been independently verified.

Officials from Hamas and Gaza’s health department deny any militant activity within the hospital, which houses over 500 beds and employs about 1,500 people. There are accusations against Israel for endangering civilians recklessly.

Munir al-Boursh, from Gaza’s Health Ministry, reported that Israeli troops extensively searched the hospital, including the emergency and surgery departments, looking for tunnels. They interrogated and screened patients, staff, and shelter seekers, although it’s unclear if any were detained.

While the military confirmed the elimination of four militants near the hospital, there have been no reports of militants firing from within Shifa or any combat inside the hospital following the entry of Israeli troops.

The military describes its operation in the hospital as precise and targeted, with medical teams bringing necessary supplies, including incubators. The hospital previously sheltered tens of thousands of fleeing Palestinians, but many have left due to the intensifying conflict. The hospital’s emergency generator, which ran out of fuel, has resulted in the deaths of 40 patients, including three babies. The condition of 36 other babies, who require incubators, remains uncertain.

In southern Gaza, leaflets were distributed east of Khan Younis, warning civilians to evacuate areas near militants. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the ground operation would encompass both the north and south, targeting Hamas wherever found.

The majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have relocated to the south, facing a severe fuel shortage that hinders humanitarian efforts and may lead to the suspension of mobile and internet services. The living conditions in the south are deteriorating, with shortages of basic necessities like bread and cooking fuel, and the absence of central electricity and running water.

Israel permitted a limited amount of fuel into Gaza to support the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, which provides basic services to numerous people. However, this fuel is insufficient for hospitals or water desalination and is far below what is needed for sustaining critical activities.

The Palestinian telecom company, Paltel, anticipates a shutdown in services due to the fuel and electricity crisis. Gaza has already experienced three significant communication outages since the ground invasion began.

As Israeli troops potentially advance southward, the question remains where the people of Gaza can seek refuge, especially with Egypt not allowing mass entry into its territory.

This report was contributed to by Chehayeb from Beirut and Amy Teibel in Jerusalem, with full coverage available at https://bigbignews.net/israel-hamas-war.

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More about Gaza Escalation

• Israeli Military Operations in Gaza
• Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
• Hamas and Israel Conflict Overview
• Gaza’s Shifa Hospital Under Scrutiny
• Impact of Conflict on Gaza’s Population
• International Responses to Gaza Conflict