Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza claim IDF troops surrounded and shelled the Indonesian Hospital in the Strip’s northern town of Beit Lahia at dawn.
“Israeli tanks have completely surrounded the hospital, cut off electricity and shelled the hospital, targeting the second and third floors with artillery,” says the facility’s director, Marwan Sultan.
“There are serious risks to medical staff and patients.”
There is no immediate comment from the IDF on the reported strike.
Israel has said it seeks to minimize civilian fatalities and stresses that Hamas uses Gaza’s civilians as human shields, fighting from civilian areas including homes, hospitals, schools, and mosques.
In a statement, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza also says Israel targeted the upper floors, adding there were “more than 40 patients and wounded in addition to the medical staff” present.
“Heavy gunfire” towards the hospital and its courtyard had sparked a “state of great panic” among patients and staff, the Hamas statement adds.
Israel launched a new offensive in northern Gaza earlier this month targeting Hamas fighters who it said were regrouping there.
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