Gaza's Largest Hospital Evacuated, IDF Denies Role

Image copyright: Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images News [via Getty Images]

The Spin

Pro-Palestine narrative

It's forbidden to turn civilian hospitals into a conflict zone or target a health facility treating the wounded. While Israel claims that al-Shifa Hospital serves as a key command center for Hamas, it has so far offered little concrete evidence. But even if Tel Aviv's claims actually held any weight, it has a duty under international law to prevent unnecessary harm to civilians. These horrendous human rights violations must end.

Pro-Israel narrative

It's illegal to use civilian populations, the sick or the injured, as human shields. Al-Shifa Hospital is a prime example of how Hamas militants hide behind civilians inside medical compounds to provoke outrage if they are attacked. Though it will continue to avoid civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip as much as tactically possible, Israel has the right to defend itself and will do everything in its strength to neutralize Hamas.

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 50% chance that Hamas will release at least 93.5% of Israeli hostages before 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO