Israeli Air Raids Near Gaza’s Principal Medical Facility Follow Accusations Against Hamas

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Early on Sunday, Israeli fighter jets conducted air raids in close proximity to Gaza’s main hospital, an establishment currently filled with patients as well as tens of thousands of Palestinians seeking refuge. Israel contends that Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza, operates a command center beneath this medical facility, although conclusive evidence has not been publicly disclosed.

These aerial operations occurred subsequent to an announcement on Saturday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signaling a “second phase” in Israel’s conflict with Hamas. This comes three weeks after a violent incursion into Israel by Hamas forces on October 7th. Over the weekend, Israeli ground units advanced into Gaza, as the territory endured comprehensive attacks from air, sea, and land.

Late Friday saw the disruption of most communication networks within Gaza, leaving its 2.3 million residents isolated globally. By early Sunday, telecom firms and online freedom advocacy group NetBlocks.org confirmed partial restoration of communications.

The recent air raids have critically damaged the road infrastructure leading to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Israel has issued evacuation orders for the northern part of Gaza, asserting that most residents have moved south. However, many remain in the northern region, partly because Israeli forces have also targeted areas considered to be safe havens. Shifa Hospital itself has become a makeshift shelter for many, in addition to treating those injured in the airstrikes.

Mahmoud al-Sawah, taking refuge in the hospital, described the situation over the phone: “Access to the hospital is increasingly becoming a challenge. It appears the intent is to isolate the area.” Another resident, Abdallah Sayed, characterized the past two days of Israeli bombing as the “most severe and intense” since the conflict began.

When inquired about the attacks near Shifa, the Israeli military did not offer immediate commentary. However, they did release computer-generated images which purportedly depict Hamas installations near the hospital. Israel has made similar claims in the past but has yet to offer substantial evidence.

In regard to Hamas’ underground facilities and other infrastructure, definitive information is scarce and Israel’s claims have yet to be independently verified. Hamas authorities have dismissed Israel’s allegations as false pretexts for targeting the hospital.

On the domestic front, there’s mounting pressure on the Israeli government to secure the release of approximately 230 hostages taken during the October 7th attacks by Hamas. Family members of the hostages met with Netanyahu on Saturday, advocating for a prisoner exchange with Palestinians incarcerated in Israel.

Yehia Sinwar, Hamas’ chief in Gaza, announced the group’s readiness to release all hostages if Israel reciprocates by freeing Palestinians from its prisons. This offer was rebuffed by Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, who described it as a form of “psychological warfare.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu stated in a nationally televised press conference that the ongoing ground operation aims to “eradicate Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities and secure the release of hostages.” The Prime Minister also acknowledged the need for a comprehensive inquiry into the events of October 7th, where over 1,400 individuals lost their lives.

Israeli forces are progressively expanding their ground operations within Gaza, although they stopped short of labeling it a full-scale invasion. Despite the sustained Israeli military efforts, Palestinian militants continue to launch rockets into Israeli territory.

The Palestinian death toll in Gaza as of Saturday had escalated to over 7,700 since the onset of the conflict, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Most casualties are reported to be women and children.

The hostilities between Israel and Hamas have significantly outpaced the combined death toll of their previous four conflicts, with the current numbers far exceeding an estimated 4,000.

The ongoing conflict poses a risk of broader regional escalation, eliciting concerns from Arab nations, including those with diplomatic ties to the United States or those that have established peace accords with Israel.

Reported by Magdy from Cairo.

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Note: Given the sensitive and rapidly changing nature of conflict zones, this paraphrased article is based on information available as of the cutoff knowledge date in January 2022. It is crucial to consult multiple sources for the most current and comprehensive information.

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