The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) conducted a raid on Shifa Hospital overnight, leading to the arrest of 80 Hamas terrorists.
The operation kicked off at 2:30 am on Monday, spearheaded by a combined force comprising IDF Division 162’s regular infantry, armored units, special forces, the Shin Bet security service, and the army’s intelligence-gathering Unit 504. The hospital’s medical staff were alerted to Hamas’s activities beforehand and told to evacuate, according to IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.
The operation, which began at 2:30 a.m., involved IDF Division 162, Shin Bet, and IDF intelligence collection unit 504. The IDF warned medical staff at Shifa about Hamas’ return. Conducted on the hospital’s ground level, Israel’s soldiers killed several terrorists and arrested 80 others.
Staff Sergeant Matan Vinogradov, 20, from Jerusalem, was killed during the operation. He is the 250th fallen soldier since the start of ground operations in Gaza on Oct. 27th.
The raid was launched based on intelligence indicating Hamas’s efforts to reestablish the hospital as their command center.
“The IDF began the operation following established intelligence that required immediate action. We know that senior Hamas terrorists have regrouped inside the Shifa Hospital and are commanding operations against Israel from there,” Hagari said.
“Our focused activity is not only an operational necessity; it is a global imperative. We call on all Hamas terrorists hiding in hospitals to surrender immediately. It is forbidden to use medical facilities for terrorist purposes; Hamas must be held accountable.”
