Israeli Forces Arrest Medical Staff in Gaza Hospital as Airstrikes Continue
In the midst of ongoing airstrikes and escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces have carried out arrests in Gaza’s largest functioning hospital, Nasser Hospital. This development has raised concerns about the safety of patients, medical workers, and displaced Palestinians seeking shelter at the hospital.
The raid on Nasser Hospital took place on Thursday as Israeli forces intensified their efforts against Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group that governs the enclave. According to Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra, Israeli forces detained a significant number of medical staff members inside the hospital, which they had turned into a military base. The Israeli military stated that they were searching for militants in Nasser Hospital and had already arrested 100 suspects on the premises. They also claimed to have killed gunmen near the hospital and discovered weapons inside it.
Hamas, however, has denied allegations that its fighters use medical facilities as cover. Despite these denials, at least two released Israeli hostages have stated that they were held captive in Nasser Hospital. This raises further concerns about the potential exploitation of medical facilities for military purposes.
The incursion into Nasser Hospital has sparked alarm among health officials and human rights organizations. With approximately 10,000 people seeking shelter at the hospital earlier in the week, fears for their safety have intensified. Many individuals had already left the hospital either in anticipation of the Israeli raid or due to Israeli orders to evacuate. The Gaza Health Ministry has expressed concerns about the well-being of patients, medical workers, and displaced Palestinians who remain at the hospital.
Meanwhile, in the southern city of Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population is seeking shelter, dire conditions have been exacerbated by winter weather. Strong winds blew away some tents of the displaced, while heavy rain flooded others. The situation in Rafah has worsened due to Israeli plans to storm the area, prompting international concern about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has blamed Israel for the lack of progress in achieving a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Haniyeh stated that Hamas would not accept anything less than a complete cessation of hostilities, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the lifting of the unjust siege, and the release of Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences in Israeli jails. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, has vowed “complete victory” over Hamas but also expressed openness to negotiations if Hamas shows flexibility and releases hostages.
The Israeli air and ground offensive has caused extensive damage in Gaza and forced the majority of its inhabitants to flee their homes. According to Palestinian health authorities, the death toll stands at 28,858 people, predominantly civilians. The war began when Hamas sent fighters into Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the seizure of 253 hostages.
Since Friday, at least 83 people have been killed in airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, including one person in Rafah on Saturday. The Israeli military has reported that its jets have successfully targeted numerous militants during the fighting.
Across the border in southern Israel, the city of Ashkelon has been on high alert as air raid sirens warning of incoming rockets have sounded. The constant threat of rocket attacks adds to the already tense atmosphere in the region.
As the violence continues to escalate and both sides remain steadfast in their demands, the situation in Gaza remains dire. The international community is closely monitoring the developments and urging all parties involved to work towards a peaceful resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.