Israeli tanks surround Indonesian hospital in Gaza amid escalating conflict
Israeli tanks have encircled Gaza’s Indonesian Hospital, resulting in 12 reported casualties on Sunday night, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The hospital’s director, Dr. Marwan Al-Sultan, revealed that the post-operative care department was hit, with troops dangerously close.
Amid intermittent shooting on Monday evening, the Israeli military claims to have targeted “terrorists” within the hospital who allegedly opened fire at them. The World Health Organization’s head, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed shock at the situation, emphasizing the violation of international humanitarian norms.
Health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra accused Israel of tightening its grip on the hospital, prompting the evacuation of 200 patients, with the Red Cross aiding in coordinating the process. Simultaneously, 28 premature Palestinian babies from Al-Shifa Hospital were transported to Egypt for treatment.
The broader context stems from Israel’s military campaign in response to a cross-border attack by hundreds of Hamas gunmen. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, leading to a call from the UN Security Council for humanitarian pauses, which, as of now, have not materialized.
On Monday morning, verified footage showed Israeli tanks stationed near the Indonesian Hospital, impeding ambulance access. The health ministry reported casualties from an Israeli shell hitting the facility’s second floor, heightening concerns about attacks on protected spaces under international law.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) justified its actions, claiming that terrorists fired from within the hospital, prompting a direct response without shells being directed at the hospital itself.
As the crisis unfolds, President Joe Biden expressed optimism about a potential deal to free hostages in Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is involved in facilitating negotiations, emphasizing the delicate nature of the process.
In a separate development, the IDF released videos alleging an underground Hamas command center in Al-Shifa Hospital, further complicating the situation. Hamas denies using hospitals as shields, while the WHO works on evacuating seriously wounded patients from Al-Shifa.
Amidst the turmoil, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported its clinic in Gaza City coming under fire, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by medical facilities. The situation remains critical, demanding urgent international attention and action.
