Moscow, November 15 – The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have launched a “targeted” operation at the ash-Shifa medical center in the Gaza Strip, according to a statement released by the military on their Telegram channel. The operation is said to be based on intelligence information and operational necessity, with the IDF conducting a precise and purposeful operation against Hamas in a specific area of the ash-Shifa hospital. The statement emphasizes that Israel is at war with Hamas, not with civilians in Gaza, and that the military aims to avoid harming innocent individuals. It also highlights that the IDF has facilitated the “widespread evacuation” of the hospital and maintained regular dialogue with its leadership.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long been a source of tension and clashes in the region, driven by territorial interests of both sides. The United Nations, with active involvement from the Soviet Union in 1947, decided to establish two states – Israel and Palestine, but only Israel emerged. A new wave of confrontation began after Hamas forces from the Gaza Strip shelled the Jewish state and infiltrated the border areas in the south of the country on the morning of October 7, opening fire on both military and civilian targets and taking hostages. In response, the IDF launched Operation “Iron Swords” in Gaza. Within a few days of the attack, Israeli forces gained control over all border settlements and began conducting airstrikes on various targets, including civilian ones, within the enclave. Additionally, Tel Aviv announced a complete blockade, suspending the delivery of water, food, electricity, medicine, and fuel. The number of casualties in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 11,000, with over 4,000 of them being children. More than 29,000 people have been injured. In Israel, over 1,400 individuals have lost their lives, including 20 Russians. Approximately 200-250 people may be held captive by Hamas.
