Israeli Military Withdraws After Gaza Operation; Weapons Found in Al-Shifa Hospital
The Israeli military has withdrawn from the vicinity of Al-Shifa hospital in the Gaza Strip following a two-week operation.
Tsahal reported the discovery of a significant cache of weapons concealed within the hospital premises and claimed to have neutralised over 200 Hamas militants. Concurrently, anti-government demonstrations persist across Israel, with protests demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister, early elections, and the release of hostages.
Hundreds of Gaza Strip residents hurried to the area surrounding the enclave's largest hospital to assess the aftermath of the intense clashes between Israeli forces and the Palestinian faction Hamas. The confrontations resulted in the deaths of over 200 militants, with numerous armed individuals taken into custody. Tsahal declared the confiscation of weapons and Hamas-related documents.
"We uncovered a substantial quantity of weapons and various communication devices concealed within walls, ceilings, pillows, and hospital beds. We encountered two instances of engagement with terrorists within the maternity ward, and we successfully neutralised them," stated Captain Yanai, the operations officer of the Nahal Reconnaissance Unit.
Israeli authorities asserted that the operation at Al-Shifa was conducted with the primary objective of preventing harm to civilians, patients, and medical staff. Meanwhile, according to BBC reports, at least four individuals, including a journalist, were killed, and 16 others were injured in the latest airstrike at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah.
On another front, the Israeli military announced the targeting of the Islamic Jihad command centre within the premises, resulting in the deaths of militants. However, independent confirmation of this information is unavailable.
Simultaneously, extensive anti-government protests are underway in various Israeli cities, with over 100,000 demonstrators demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, early elections, and the release of hostages.
"We have assembled for a protest that will persist until the end of Wednesday, during which we will block the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, for three days. This demonstration occurs amidst wartime and while 134 hostages remain in Gaza. We demand the resignation of this government, which has repeatedly disappointed us," remarked Gilad Kariv, a Knesset member from the Labor Party.
Ayala Metzger, whose father-in-law is among the hostages in Gaza, expressed her desire for his safe return and echoed the sentiment prevalent among many Israelis calling for Netanyahu's departure and immediate elections.
Relatives of the hostages accuse Netanyahu of obstructing efforts to reach an agreement for the prisoners' release from Gaza. This marks the first instance since the conflict's onset where both the hostage liberation movement and the anti-Netanyahu faction have aligned forces.
Protesters have obstructed several thoroughfares and ignited bonfires, prompting law enforcement to employ water cannons to disperse the crowds. Several individuals have been detained following altercations with the police. Further protests are scheduled nightly until Wednesday outside the Parliament building, with hostage families erecting tents and vowing to maintain their presence.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
