Morning update: Israeli forces raid al-Shifa hospital

Good morning Middle East Eye readers, 

As Palestinians were preparing to have their pre-fast meal before dawn, Israeli forces raided Gaza City's al-Shifa hospital under the cover of heavy aerial bombardment. 

Tanks surrounded the medical compound before shelling some of its buildings, including the surgery department, killing and wounding several people, according to initial reports. 

The entrance of the hospital caught on fire due to the heavy Israeli shelling, the Palestinian health ministry said. 

The ministry added that patients and families sheltering in the hospital were now besieged. 

Medical teams were also reportedly unable to reach people shot and wounded in the complex due to the danger posed by the heavy Israeli fire. 

The Israeli military said the operation in al-Shifa was launched based on information that Hamas officials were in the area without providing evidence. 

Middle East Eye could not independently verify the claim.