What’s new:

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have released CCTV footage which they claim shows hostages being taken into al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City following a series of deadly attacks by Hamas.

Why it matters:

The footage is part of Israel’s effort to substantiate its claims that Hamas uses medical facilities, including Gaza’s largest hospital, for military purposes. This assertion has significant implications for the conduct of warfare and the protection of medical facilities under international law.

The details:

The video, presented by the IDF, allegedly captures the moments after the attacks on October 7, which resulted in the death of 1,200 Israelis and the capture of over 240 hostages. Among the hostages was Cpl Noa Marciano, a 19-year-old soldier who the IDF claims was murdered at the hospital after being taken there with minor injuries. Hamas disputes these allegations, maintaining that Marciano was killed in an Israeli air strike.

The big picture:

Israel is under international scrutiny for its military operations in Gaza, which have led to a significant number of civilian casualties. The release of this footage comes at a time when the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, faces pressure to justify its actions and to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Between the lines:

The IDF alleges that a tunnel discovered beneath the hospital was part of a Hamas command center, a claim that has been met with skepticism without concrete evidence. The latest footage is intended to bolster Israel’s case, although the full extent of Hamas’s operations at the hospital remains contested.

What they’re saying:

Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has challenged the authenticity of the footage and accuses Israel of being responsible for the degradation of health services in Gaza. Meanwhile, the WHO has declared al-Shifa hospital a ‘death zone’ due to the severe impact of the conflict on its operations.

What’s next:

As the conflict continues, the international community is closely watching Israel’s next moves, particularly in light of the civilian toll and the ongoing debate over the use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes.

Bottom line:

Israel is determined to present evidence of Hamas’s military use of civilian facilities, including hospitals, as it continues its campaign against the group. The release of the CCTV footage is the latest step in a complex narrative of warfare, civilian protection, and international accountability.

This story was first published on bbc.