Israeli special forces enter Nasser Hospital
Israeli special forces entered the main hospital in southern Gaza, the country’s military said today, raiding a site where thousands of Palestinians had sought shelter.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces told NBC News that it had “credible intelligence from a number of sources, including from released hostages, indicating that Hamas held hostages at the Nasser Hospital,” in Khan Younis.
He added that the “sensitive operation was prepared with precision and is being conducted by IDF special forces who underwent specified training.”
Dr. Ashraf Al-Qudra, a spokesperson for Gaza’s health ministry said in a separate statement on Telegram that Israeli forces had targeted the facility’s ambulance headquarters and tents housing displaced people on the site. He added that intensive care patients were being kept without medical staff inside the hospital.
U.S. allies warn Israel against ‘catastrophic’ Rafah operation
The prime ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, saying Israel’s planned military offensive in the city of Rafah would be “catastrophic.”
“We urge the Israeli government not to go down this path. There is simply nowhere else for civilians to go,” the three leaders said today in a joint statement, noting that the 1.5 million Palestinians taking refuge in the area include many of their own citizens.
Israel is obligated to protect civilians, ensure the delivery of basic services and provide essential humanitarian assistance, they said, citing a ruling last month by the International Court of Justice in a genocide case brought by South Africa.
They added that any cease-fire “cannot be one-sided,” and that Hamas must also lay down its arms and immediately release all remaining hostages.
Doctor in Rafah says hospital sees ‘hundreds of patients’ after each attack
A doctor in Rafah told NBC News…
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