What’s happening:
US spy agencies have assessed that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad utilized Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza as a command center for military operations and held hostages, although the complex was mostly vacated before Israeli troops arrived, according to a US official.
Why it matters:
The American assessment aligns with Israeli claims, intensifying concerns about the use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes. The revelation potentially justifies Israel’s military actions in the area and challenges the international perception of the conflict.
Background:
The situation escalated when an attack from Gaza killed 1,200 people in Israel, prompting a robust military response with aerial and ground offensives aimed at dismantling Hamas’ 15-year rule in Gaza.
The details:
The US official, who remained anonymous, disclosed that the US had independently verified information suggesting the hospital’s use in military operations. US intelligence has not yet unveiled the evidence behind their assessments.
Scale of the conflict:
According to figures provided by Hamas health authorities, which have not been independently verified, the conflict since October 7 has resulted in over 22,000 deaths in Gaza.
Israel’s evidence:
Israeli forces claim to have evidence that Shifa Hospital was not only a significant operational hub and command center for Hamas but also sat above a network of tunnels used by fighters, potentially using patients as human shields. These assertions have been supported in part by the US government.
The shift:
Prior to the Israeli operation, Hamas allegedly evacuated the hospital, destroying documents and equipment their departure. This departure also included moving some hostages that were allegedly held at or under the hospital.
US Confirmation:
John Kirby, a White House national security spokesman, had previously stated in November that Hamas was indeed utilizing Al Shifa as a “command and control node.” The recent declassified information by US agencies supports this claim.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.