Israel claims Hamas held hostages in the hospital
Israeli forces have entered Al Nasser hospital in southern Gaza, the largest functioning hospital in the region, according to both Israeli military and health officials in the area. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, stated that credible intelligence indicated that Hamas held hostages in the hospital and that there may be bodies of Israeli hostages there. The IDF said that they were conducting a precise and limited operation inside the hospital and had apprehended suspects. However, evidence to support the claim that the hospital was being used by Hamas has not yet been released by the IDF.
Chaos and danger for patients
The spokesperson for the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, Ashraf Al Qedra, confirmed that Israeli forces had stormed the hospital and turned it into a military barracks. He also mentioned that the occupation had targeted the ambulance headquarters, tents of the displaced, and mass graves within the medical complex. The health ministry expressed concern for the intensive care patients who were left in the facility without medical staff, putting their lives in extreme danger.
Call for safety and protection
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported a chaotic situation inside the hospital, with an unknown number of casualties. MSF staff had to flee the hospital, leaving patients behind. They called for the safety and protection of their colleague who was detained at an Israeli checkpoint. The humanitarian organization reiterated its plea for Israel to halt its operation in the hospital as it endangered medical staff and patients still inside the facility.
Netanyahu’s determination to push offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his determination to proceed with an offensive in the city of Rafah, despite warnings from President Biden and international aid organizations. The IDF claimed that Hamas still had combat units hiding in Rafah, and they were determined to hunt them down. The United Nations warned that a military operation in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza and further jeopardize the already fragile humanitarian situation.
South Africa’s plea to the U.N. court
South Africa has filed an urgent request with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue a new legal order to constrain Israel’s military in light of the developing circumstances in Rafah. South Africa previously filed a case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza and sought an immediate halt to the military campaign. While the court has not made a ruling on the core argument, it did issue an order for Israel to prevent the deaths of Palestinian civilians. Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused South Africa of representing the interests of Hamas and denying Israel the right to defend itself and its citizens.
This article is based on reports from CBS News and contributions from Sarah Carter in Johannesburg.