Unveiling the Discoveries: A Comprehensive Look at Israel's Findings in Al-Shifa
Gaza's major hospital, Al-Shifa, is at the center of the conflict following the border breach by Hamas militants resulting in numerous casualties This article delves into Israel's perspective, Hamas' reaction, and the evidence presented by Israel regarding the situation
The conflict that commenced on October 7, when Hamas militants breached the Israeli border, has turned Al-Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, into a battleground claiming the lives of roughly 1,200 individuals. Palestinians assert that the violence occurring in and around Al-Shifa is a clear manifestation of Israel's careless disregard for civilian wellbeing in Gaza. In contrast, Israel highlights the hospital as an instance of Hamas exploiting innocent civilians as human shields.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have recently launched an operation at Al-Shifa and have stated their discovery of a tunnel shaft and military equipment. However, they have not yet provided evidence of the existence of a significant command and control center. Hamas, on the other hand, denies these allegations. It should be mentioned that CNN has not verified the claims made by either Israel or Hamas. In the meantime, the United Nations is urging for access to Al-Shifa.
"This is exactly why an impartial global inquiry is necessary, as we have conflicting accounts," stated Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. "Exploiting civilian spaces, particularly hospitals, for any military intentions is unacceptable. Moreover, launching an assault on a hospital without concrete evidence is equally unjustifiable."
Here's the current information available.
What does Israel say?
Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of operating from tunnels beneath the vast complex of Al-Shifa hospital.
In a media presentation last month, Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, alleged that rocket attacks were being directed and operations were being commanded by Hamas from bunkers beneath the hospital building. Hagari claimed that these bunkers were connected to the network of tunnels which Hamas had constructed under Gaza City.
Al-Shifa hospital and surroundings in Gaza on November 7.
Maxar Technologies/AP/File
How Gaza's biggest hospital became the focal point of Israel's fight against Hamas.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have additionally released an "intelligence-driven" visual presentation depicting their perception of Hamas' base, presumed to be situated beneath Al-Shifa hospital. This video showcases a three-dimensional representation of the hospital, dynamically unveiling a complex web of tunnels and operation rooms.
CNN cannot independently confirm Israel's assertions that Hamas is conducting operations from the hospital.
The White House has supported Israel's assertions, stating that Hamas was storing weapons and operating a command center from Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital, based on intelligence from the United States.
Senior US officials have declined multiple times to expand on how they can back Israels claims, as the US does not have troops on the ground in Gaza.
How has Hamas responded?
Hamas and hospital officials strongly deny Israel's claims.
According to Dr. Medhat Abbas, the director general of the Gaza health ministry controlled by Hamas, the hospitals in the enclave are exclusively used for patient treatment and not for hiding anyone.
What evidence has Israel since given?
Following the initiation of the offensive by Israel, Hamas has alleged that the United States has sanctioned Israel's actions, granting them permission to perpetrate further civilian massacres under the pretense of Al-Shifa serving as a command center.
What evidence has Israel since given?
Israel announced on Wednesday that during the raid, their soldiers discovered a room in the hospital containing "technological assets, as well as military and combat equipment utilized by Hamas." The statement further disclosed that in a different department of the hospital, a functional command center and technological assets associated with Hamas were also uncovered. Israel asserted that the hospital was being exploited by the terrorist organization for its nefarious purposes.
Israel has released video evidence to support its assertion that there exists a tunnel shaft on the grounds of Al-Shifa. The footage clearly shows the reinforced concrete structure of the shaft and the presence of exposed pipes and cabling near its surface. However, Hamas has refuted these findings, dismissing them as unfounded falsehoods.
According to the Israeli military, the bodies of two Israeli hostages, a 65-year-old woman and an Israeli soldier, were discovered in close proximity to Al-Shifa hospital this week.
Israel said it is still working to expose tunnel infrastructure and added it will provide further evidence.
