Israeli forces have entered Gaza’s largest remaining hospital, Al Nasser Hospital, amidst ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The biggest hospital that is still operational.
following the rule of Hamas in the Palestinian territory
The duration of the war was four months.
According to sources from both the Israeli military and health officials within the enclave, it has been reported that…
According to a statement by Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, they received reliable information from various sources, including former hostages, indicating that Hamas was holding hostages at Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis and that there may also be the remains of their hostages at the hospital.
Reuters/@mohammedharar2 via Instagram
Israeli Defense Forces have entered Al Nasser hospital.
He stated that the Israeli soldiers were engaged in a specific and restricted mission within Nasser hospital, which was preceded by attempts to remove the hospital’s residents in order to minimize harm to those not involved.
to be utilized by the insurgents in that manner.
Ashraf Al Qedra, a representative from the Gaza Ministry of Health led by Hamas, reported that Israeli Defense Forces entered the Nasser medical complex and converted it into a military base by destroying the southern wall.
In a statement shared on the internet, he mentioned that the attack focused on the ambulance base and the shelters of those who have been forced to relocate, and also destroyed the burial sites located within the Nasser Medical Complex.
Al Qedra did not deny the IDF’s claim that Israeli forces had removed displaced families and medical team families from the hospital on Thursday morning. However, he noted that the evacuations were done while under attack and facing threats.
The health department also reported that hospitalized patients in critical condition were being left unattended, posing a significant risk to their lives.
MSF released a statement on Thursday stating that staff members within the hospital reported a disorderly situation, with an unknown number of individuals killed and injured.
The statement stated that MSF healthcare workers were forced to leave the hospital, leaving patients behind. Israeli forces have established a checkpoint to inspect individuals leaving the area, and one of our coworkers was held at this checkpoint. We demand their safety and the preservation of their dignity.
The humanitarian group restated its demand for Israel to cease its operation within the hospital, citing the risk it poses to medical personnel and patients who remain trapped within the premises.
Ignoring cautions, Netanyahu proceeds with Rafah attack.
The military action in Khan Younis conducted by Al Nasser occurred while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu restated his commitment to continue attacking Rafah, a city approximately five miles south of Khan Younis and near the border between Gaza and Egypt. The Israeli Defense Forces have reported that there are still four Hamas combat units hiding in the area, and they are determined to locate and eliminate them.
The President of the United States, along with numerous other countries and aid groups, has cautioned Israel against attacking Rafah without a reliable strategy in place to protect the approximately 1.5 million Palestinian civilians residing in the densely populated area.
“Many people there have been displaced, displaced multiple times, fleeing the violence to the north, and now they’re packed into Rafah, exposed and vulnerable. They need to be protected,” Mr. Biden said earlier this week. “We’ve also been clear from the start, we oppose any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.”
Approximately 80% of the population in Gaza has been forced to leave their homes, and it is estimated that half of the 2.3 million people in the area are currently living in overcrowded conditions in Rafah, as reported by the United Nations.
The United Nations’ top official for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, expressed concern on Tuesday that a potential military intervention in Rafah could result in a massacre in Gaza and severely harm the already vulnerable humanitarian efforts.
South Africa has submitted a fresh request to limit Israel’s actions at the United Nations court.
On Tuesday, the government of South Africa submitted an urgent appeal to the International Court of Justice at the United Nations, requesting a new legal mandate to limit the actions of Israel’s military. This request specifically references the changing situation in Rafah.
The South African government has urgently asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to review the recent decision made by Israel to extend their military operations in Rafah. This area serves as the only safe haven for those still surviving in Gaza. The request is based on the concern for the rights of Palestinians in Gaza and the need to prevent any further breaches from occurring. This statement was shared on social media by the South African presidency.
In December, South Africa brought a lawsuit before the ICJ, alleging that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and requesting an urgent order for Israel to cease its military operations. Although the case is ongoing and a decision has not yet been made on the main claim, the court has jurisdiction.
Last month, an order was issued.
Israel should make efforts to prevent the loss of innocent Palestinian lives. The court lacks the authority to enforce its ruling on Israel.
The United Nations court has not rejected South Africa’s accusation of genocide against Israel.
The International Court of Justice did not explicitly request a halt in fighting, and it has not made a decision on the accusation that Israel is engaging in genocide, a claim that Israeli officials have strongly denied.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that South Africa’s representation of the latest ICJ request is in support of the Hamas terrorist group and an attempt to deprive Israel of its basic right to protect its citizens.
In a social media post, Lior Haiat, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, stated that Israel is dedicated to following international laws. This includes aiding in the delivery of humanitarian aid and avoiding harm to innocent individuals. Meanwhile, Hamas terrorists are using the civilian population in Gaza as cover and currently have 134 people held hostage.
This report includes contributions from Sarah Carter of CBS News in Johannesburg.
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Source: cbsnews.com