Gaza's Largest Hospital Evacuated, IDF Denies Role

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Nov 18, 2023

Image copyright: Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images News [via Getty Images]story last updated Nov 18, 2023

The Facts

Hundreds of doctors, medical teams, and patients left Gaza City's al-Shifa Hospital on Saturday after its director claimed the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had ordered the Gaza Strip's largest hospital to evacuate within an hour at around 8 a.m. local time.
Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of al-Shifa Hospital, alleged that Israeli army personnel had made the order over loudspeakers and called him to ensure "the evacuation of patients, wounded, the displaced and medical staff, and that they should move on foot towards the seafront."

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.

The Wire

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.