GAZA -In a significant development, the Israeli military launched a raid on Al Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas militants. The operation, conducted on Wednesday, involved Israeli forces urging the surrender of militants reportedly hiding within the hospital complex, where thousands of Palestinian civilians sought refuge.

Dr. Munir al-Bursh, director-general of the Gaza health ministry, reported explosions and dust in the western side of the hospital during the raid. The situation inside the facility remains challenging, with conflicting reports on the extent of the military operation.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) asserted that the raid was a precise and targeted operation based on intelligence information, emphasizing the inclusion of medical teams and Arabic speakers to minimize harm to civilians. Israel alleges that Hamas uses Al Shifa as a command center and denies claims of operating in the hospital.

Global calls for a humanitarian ceasefire have intensified, drawing attention to the worsening conditions within Al Shifa. The U.S. supported Israel's conclusions, while Hamas accused the U.S. of giving a "green light" for the raid, holding Israel and President Joe Biden responsible.

Amid fierce street battles, Israel advanced into the center of Gaza City, targeting Al Shifa as part of its retaliation against Hamas. The situation has prompted concerns about the interpretation of international laws protecting medical facilities and civilians.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the "dramatic loss of life" in hospitals, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. With over 11,000 confirmed dead from Israeli strikes, including 40% children, and a significant portion of Gaza's population displaced, the region faces dire humanitarian conditions.

The fate of Al Shifa Hospital remains a focal point of international alarm, highlighting the complexities of balancing military operations and the protection of medical facilities under international humanitarian law.