Israel is reportedly considering a temporary pause in its military operation in Gaza after successfully taking control of the Ash-Shifa Hospital. This development comes as the Israeli army intensifies its activities against Hamas, with the understanding that if a pause occurs, Hamas will become more active, and Israel will immediately resume military actions.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) entered the Ash-Shifa Hospital on the night of November 15, 2023, conducting a targeted operation. The IDF stated that one of Hamas’ main command centers is located underground within the hospital premises.
To minimize civilian casualties, the IDF’s spokesperson assured that all necessary measures would be taken during the military operations in the hospital.
According to sources from Al Jazeera within the Ash-Shifa Hospital, several individuals were arrested by Israeli military personnel.
The situation in the Middle East has escalated since thousands of Hamas militants infiltrated Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip on October 7, marking the beginning of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” by Hamas. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war.
Israel’s retaliatory operation, named “Iron Swords,” aims to repel the attack, free over 200 hostages (including foreign nationals), and dismantle Hamas. Israel has conducted extensive rocket strikes on the Gaza Strip since the operation’s inception. Additionally, the Israeli National Security Council decided to cut off the supply of water, food, goods, electricity, and fuel to the region. Humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza only started after October 20, but their volume remains inadequate.
On October 27, Israel announced the “expansion” of its ground operation in Gaza. The exact start date of this operation is unknown, but in anticipation, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have evacuated their homes, seeking refuge in shelters and the southern part of the enclave. As of November 5, fighting continues in Gaza’s center, as the IDF surrounds the city and cuts off its supply routes.
Prime Minister Netanyahu previously vowed to destroy Hamas.
