Heavy fighting as Israeli forces surround Gaza City hospitals they say are Hamas war hubs

Israeli Defense Forces have reportedly surrounded Gaza City’s biggest hospital, which they say sits on top of an underground Hamas command center.

Heavy fighting near the al-Shifa Hospital took place Friday and Israeli forces said it had killed dozens of militants and destroyed some of Hamas’ notorious terror tunnels where they harbour leaders and stash weapons, according to CBS.

One missile landed in the courtyard of the hospital causing chaos as the Israeli forces fought deeper into Gaza Friday.

The IDF later told CNN it concluded the missle was “a misfired projectile launched by terrorist organizations inside the Gaza Strip.” 

The Israeli army has repeatedly accused Hamas militants of using hospitals in the area as cover and claimed Hamas commanders hide in tunnels underneath them.

They have said they want to take control of the hospitals so they are not longer under Hamas adminstration.

IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht clarified Friday: “The IDF does not fire on hospitals. We are aware of the sensitivity of the hospitals … [But] are aware that Hamas are operating within the hospitals … We are not dropping bombs on Al-Shifa,” CBS reported.

Palestinian officials claimed the Israeli military was in the proximity of other medical buildings Friday including the Indonesian hospital.

The World Health Organization reported “intense violence” and “significant’ bombardment at another medical center, the Rantissi hospital, early Friday.

“We are blockaded inside the hospital by tanks, and we are exposed to heavy fire against us. We don’t have electricity, no oxygen for patients, no fresh water. The situation here is very difficult and dangerous,” an alleged staffer at the Nasser Children’s Hospital posted on social media.

Eighteen of Gaza’s 35 hospitals are now out of commission either from damage or a lack of fuel, the health ministry alleged. Drinking water has also almost completely run out in Northern Gaza as the desalination plant is not working.

Hamas has been the de facto ruler of the Gaza Strip since 2006 – although the terror group seized power and has not allowed and votes or opposition since then.

As of Friday, Hamas’ armed wing said that it was still firing rockets and shells into Israel.

However, the Israeli military has previously warned of Hamas’ ruthlessness and disregard for life, and that the organization would use civilian infrastructure to its advantage, saying: “While the world sees neighborhoods with schools, hospitals, scout groups, children’s playgrounds and mosques, Hamas sees an opportunity to exploit.”

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari acknowledged Friday it was engaged in “complex and difficult warfare” and that “at this stage, the forces are operating deep in Gaza City, taking control of Hamas strongholds and fighting terrorists,” according to CNN. 

Israeli tanks have been moving through northern Gaza for over two weeks in response to Hamas’ deadly terror attack on Oct. 7, which killed over 1,400 people and saw over 240 more taken hostage.

Citizens who are left are trying to flee Northern Gaza across a checkpoint to Southern Gaza, with Israeli forces giving a daily four hour break in fighting for people to exit.

Heavy air raids on Gaza continued into the night Friday, as the United Nations estimated 200,000 people have lost homes in Gaza and 45% of housing is damaged or destroyed in the two week assault by IDF forces.