Israeli Forces Raid and Destroy Hamas-controlled Hospital in Gaza; 50 Casualties Feared
TEL AVIV — An Israeli military operation has resulted in the evacuation and subsequent burning of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza. The hospital’s director, Hussam Abu Safiya, has reported that at least 50 civilians, including five staff members, perished in an Israeli attack on a nearby building.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) maintains that the hospital was used as a stronghold by Hamas terrorists. They claim to have facilitated the safe evacuation of patients and staff before commencing the operation.
However, eyewitnesses and hospital officials contradict this account. They allege that the IDF gave hospital administrators just 15 minutes to evacuate, forcefully removing those who did not leave in time. The exact fate of the 350 individuals present at the hospital, including 75 patients, remains unclear.
The incident follows earlier Israeli strikes on nearby buildings, which were also reportedly used by Hamas. Among the dead is pediatrician Ahmad Samour, as well as other medical professionals and hospital support staff.
The United Nations has described the affected area, home to 10,000 to 15,000 people, as almost entirely besieged. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has called for immediate delivery of winter supplies, pointing out that essential aid remains blocked due to ongoing restrictions.
In a separate incident, an Israeli woman, 83, was fatally stabbed by a Palestinian assailant in Herzliya, north of Tel Aviv. The attacker was later arrested.
