LIVE | Israel military shows ‘Hamas weapons’ at Gaza’s Shifa Hospital; no sign of tunnels
Two and a half weeks after sending tanks and ground troops into northern Gaza, Israeli forces searched Shifa Hospital on Wednesday where they claim Hamas militants operate.
The Israeli military displayed what it says are Hamas weapons and military equipment it uncovered in Shifa Hospital. But so far, its search showed no signs of tunnels or a sophisticated command centre that it has said Hamas maintains on the grounds of the hospital.
Hamas and Gaza health officials deny militants operate in Shifa.
Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza, said Israeli tanks were inside the medical compound and that soldiers had entered buildings, including the emergency and surgery departments, which house intensive care units.
More than 11,200 Palestinians — two-thirds of them women and minors — have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people have been reported missing.
(With AP inputs)Live Updates
- 16 Nov 2023 9:35 AM IST
UN official condemns Israeli raids on hospital, says Hamas must not use it as a shield
The UN’s top emergency relief official on Wednesday condemned reported Israeli military raids on Gaza’s embattled Shifa Hospital and insisted Hamas militants must not use it as a “shield” for their activities.
Martin Griffiths underscored growing international concern for the plight of patients in the Gaza City hospital who are too sick or frail to be moved.
“Look, Hamas must not, should not, use a place like a hospital as a shield for their presence,” he said in a video statement. He added, “hospitals should not become a place of -- a war zone -- of danger.” Griffiths said earlier on X, previously called Twitter, that he was “appalled” by overnight reports of Israeli raids on Shifa.
The UN World Health Organization says Shifa patients have needs that are “well beyond basic care.” Images reportedly from the facility showed medics trying to keep newborns warm in blankets because power for incubators had failed.
“The babies have no incubators,” Griffiths said. “Some are dead already. We can't move them out. It's too dangerous.” “I understand the Israelis' concern for trying to find the leadership of Hamas, that's not our problem,” he added. “Our problem is protecting the people of Gaza from what's being visited upon them.” (AP) - 16 Nov 2023 9:35 AM IST
First Norwegian citizens are allowed to leave Gaza
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Wednesday he was very happy that the first Norwegian citizens have arrived on the Egyptian side of the border with Gaza.
Norway had been informed that 51 Norwegians could leave Gaza via the border crossing at Rafah.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said, “there are no safe places in Gaza, and everyone who is there is exposed to traumatic experiences.” Barth Eide said the situation in Gaza was “a humanitarian disaster, which also affects Norwegian citizens. The acts of war must stop and humanitarian aid must be allowed in.” According to Norwegian news agency NTB, there are about 270 people with ties to Norway in Gaza with approximately half of them children. (AP) - 16 Nov 2023 9:34 AM IST
Turkey’s president increases criticism of Israel
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan increased his criticism of Israel on Wednesday, calling it a “terrorist state” intent on destroying Gaza along with all of its residents.
In a fiery speech to members of his party, Erdogan also said his country would take steps to ensure that Israel's political and military leaders are brought to trial in international courts.
“Israel is implementing a strategy of total destruction of a city and its people,” Erdogan said. “I say openly that Israel is a terrorist state.” The Turkish leader described Hamas militants as “resistance fighters” trying to protect their lands and people.
Turkey recently normalized relations with Israel but its war with Hamas in Gaza has again strained their ties. Israel recalled its diplomats from Turkey last month after Erdogan accused Israel of committing war crimes. Turkey later also recalled its ambassador from Israel. (AP) - 16 Nov 2023 9:34 AM IST
Israeli military stresses it’s targeting Hamas, not civilians
Israel's military insisted Wednesday its forces in and around the largest hospital in Gaza are specifically targeting Hamas, which it claims set up a command centre there. Both Hamas and Shifa Hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.
“Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza,” said Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces.“The IDF has publicly warned time and again that Hamas's continued military use of Shifa Hospital jeopardizes its protected status under international law.” Hagari said Israeli forces in Gaza included medics and Arabic speakers to try and provide assistance in the “complex and sensitive environment.” (AP)
