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The Gaza-based government media office condemned the Israeli military raid on Gaza City's al-Shifa hospital, calling it a war crime. 

In a brief statement, the office accused Israel of having a "deliberate intention to eliminate the health sector and destroy hospitals". 

"The 'Israeli' occupation army stormed the Al-Shifa Medical Complex with tanks, heavily armed soldiers and drones in the early hours of dawn and began shooting inside the complex, which sparked fear and panic among the wounded, sick, and displaced," the statement said.

"This threatens the lives of thousands of people inside the Al-Shifa Medical Complex," it added.  

"We call on international organisations and all countries of the free world to intervene immediately and urgently to curb the occupation, stop the genocidal war and stop its targeting of the health sector, medical institutions and hospitals." 

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.