Israeli forces persist in their thorough searches of Gaza's largest hospital, Al-Shifa, and have extended their efforts to other medical facilities in the region. The depletion of fuel has led to a breakdown in communications throughout the besieged enclave.
In the latest search operations on Thursday, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari revealed that an underground tunnel shaft was discovered beneath Al-Shifa Hospital. Furthermore, a vehicle stocked with a significant amount of ammunition was found beneath the medical center, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Similar discoveries unfolded at Rantisi Hospital, where a complex network of tunnels was uncovered. Hagari emphasized the ongoing combat in the area, with forces still engaging militants. Numerous weapons were also uncovered at Al-Quds Hospital, as showcased in photos presented during the briefing, featuring automatic weapons, hand grenades, and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).
Earlier, IDF troops extracted the remains of Yehudit Weiss, an Israeli woman abducted by Hamas militants on October 7, from a structure near Al-Shifa Hospital. The body was subsequently transferred to Israeli territory. This marked the second raid on Al-Shifa Hospital by Israeli forces.
In a previous announcement, the IDF released photos of weapons found in the building, alleging their connection to a concealed central Hamas military headquarters. However, no evidence supporting this claim has been provided.
Al-Shifa's Director Muhammad Abu Salamiya informed Al Jazeera TV news that snipers surrounding the hospital hindered medical staff movement between buildings. The hospital, housing over 650 inpatients, 500 medical personnel, and 5,000 displaced individuals seeking shelter, faced intrusion by troops.
Medical services were severely disrupted, endangering at least four dialysis-dependent patients in critical condition. Gaza, cut off from essential resources by Israel, struggled with power, water, food, and fuel shortages.
Paltel, Gaza's main telecom provider, declared a complete blackout, including internet and telephone services, due to depleted energy sources. Hamas's armed wing, al-Qassam brigades, claimed responsibility for a fatal shooting attack near Jerusalem, causing casualties among Israeli security forces.
Israeli warplanes targeted the residence of Hamas politburo head Ismail Haniyeh, claiming it served as "terrorist infrastructure." Al-Shati refugee camp and Gaza's harbor were also seized by Israeli forces.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) faced challenges responding to calls for help and evacuation, reporting a siege on Al-Ahli Arab Hospital by the Israeli army. The hospital, the sole operational facility in Gaza City and its northern areas, struggled to function amidst the conflict.
As of Friday morning, the death toll in Gaza reached 11,078, including 4,506 children and 3,027 women. In Israel, over 1,200 people lost their lives, and the West Bank's fatality toll rose to 198.
(With Agency Inputs)
