As the Western and Arab world kept a close eye on the Israeli operation inside Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital, with some sources referring to it as a “war crime” and many urging a ceasefire, Israel responded by releasing footage further verifying its claim that the hospital was used by Hamas. Video shared by the IDF over the weekend showed members of Hamas carrying hostages into the hospital.
It also published footage which it said shows a large tunnel below the hospital, which is located in the centre of Gaza City, used by Hamas. The Israeli Security Agency (ISA) and IDF said in a joint statement:
A deep staircase leads to the entrance of the tunnel shaft, which consists of various defence means including a blast-proof door and a firing hole. This type of door is used by the Hamas terrorist organisation to block Israeli forces from entering the command centres and the underground assets belonging to Hamas.
The tunnel shaft was uncovered in the area of the hospital underneath a shed alongside a vehicle containing numerous weapons including RPGs, explosives, and Kalashnikov rifles.
Western institutions and media have continued the barrage of vilification of Israel’s operation in this and other Gaza hospitals. The World Health Organization described the hospital as a “death zone,” sounding more like a propaganda outlet than a neutral health body, and said it had ceased to function as a health care facility—which is hardly surprising under the circumstances.
Inevitably, some leftwing commentators still find the video evidence unconvincing, even claiming the footage of hostages being carried into the hospital meant Hamas was bringing them there to receive health care.
Israel has resisted the clamour for an immediate ceasefire, insisting that any halt to its just war is out of the question while Hamas holds hostages. However, reports also emerged over the weekend of a possible impending Israel-Hamas deal. Citing “people familiar with the emerging terms,” The Washington Post said on Saturday that this could see “dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza [freed] in exchange for a five-day pause in fighting.”
Talks have been brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the U.S., and could, as the Wall Street Journal made clear, “break down again” at any time. The Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. revealed that “serious efforts” were being made, but that the fewer details he unveiled, “the better the chances of such a deal.” Observers also warned that details revealed of the sensitive negotiations could jeopardise the outcome.
Hamas took an estimated 240 hostages during its October 7th terror attacks, which also saw around 1,200 Israelis killed.
Following the release of footage pointing to Hamas’ use of the al-Shifa hospital, Israel began surrounding another hospital on Monday morning, this time in northern Gaza. But eyes, for now, are on the possible deal which would likely begin with the initial release of 50 or more hostages amid a five-day combat pause. The Post said “smaller batches” would then be released every 24 hours.
