Al Jazeera, the Qatar-based television network, reports that the Israeli army demanded staff, patients, and internally displaced people evacuate Al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip within a one-hour window. The channel emphasizes that the order targeted everyone inside the facility, including those who are sick or injured, and that there was no release granted to leave during the specified period. This account is presented as part of ongoing coverage of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting concerns about access to essential services for patients and relief workers alike. Attribution: Al Jazeera.
In parallel coverage, another Arab broadcaster, Al Hadath, claimed that the Israeli army did not permit anyone to exit the hospital complex or adjacent buildings. The channel stressed that the group of people prevented from leaving consisted of wounded patients, hospital residents, and internally displaced individuals, with no militants from Hamas reported among those blocked at the site. This position was conveyed as part of broader reporting on civilian safety and mobility in conflict zones. Attribution: Al Hadath.
According to Al Jazeera, attempts to evacuate the hospital allegedly trigger immediate detentions and regular security checks by IDF forces. The network asserts that those inside health facilities faced further hardships, including restricted access to water, food, and medical supplies, which compounds the strain on medical teams and patients. These claims are framed within discussions about civilian protection and humanitarian corridors in a contested battlefield. Attribution: Al Jazeera.
Responding to such assertions, Major General Yaron Finkelman, the head of IDF Southern Command, is quoted as saying that Hamas militants are present in every hospital in the Gaza Strip. This statement is presented as part of the Israeli military’s rationale for actions in densely populated areas and for security measures cited by the IDF amid hostilities. Attribution: IDF spokesperson/official statements.
In a broader political frame, former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu articulated what he described as Israel’s aims in the ongoing war against Hamas, outlining strategic objectives and security priorities. The remarks are portrayed as part of the country’s official stance on the conflict and its humanitarian implications, with coverage noting the ongoing debate over civilian safety, military operations, and international response. Attribution: Office of the Prime Minister (communications).