Update (1042 EST): The Israeli Defense Forces have refuted claims that their forces have besieged the hospital, claiming their forces are near the hospital, but have not engaged fighters near the structure.
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— ?????? ????? (@AvichayAdraee) November 11, 2023
In the last 30 minutes, the Red Crescent and Doctors Without Borders have reported that Israeli tanks have reached Shifa Hospital and Hamas fighters are involved in fierce clashes.
???Israeli tanks are 20 meters away from Al-Quds Hospital.
Direct shooting at the hospital, creating a state of extreme panic and fear among 14000 displaced people. #Gaza#AlQudsHospital #NotATarget pic.twitter.com/iRZggCcIkP— PRCS (@PalestineRCS) November 11, 2023
Both groups have reported that the hospital is being raked by gunfire as Hamas militants fire at Israeli troops from within the hospital, leading to patients not being able to evacuate. While the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry is decrying that the hospital is “completely out of service”.
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— ??????? – ???? (@AJABreaking) November 11, 2023
Israel has overwhelming intelligence that since 2014, Shifa hospital has been effectively converted into a Hamas stronghold with a confluence of tunnels and underground bunkers honeycombing the facility. Since ejected Fatah from the Gaza Strip, where a fierce battle took place between the two groups, the once-British army barracks has been the site of Hamas atrocities including the torture and killing of Palestinians accused of working with or being loyal to Israel. Amnesty International reported on the conversion of a wing of the hospital intel a Hamas interrogation facility.
