Israel’s raid on al-Shifa Hospital: What we know so far

Israeli forces stormed the al-Shifa Hospital in north Gaza at midnight, after cutting off communications in the area. 

Thousands of patients, wounded people and displaced are sheltering in the hospital. 

The Israeli military maintains that they are carrying out an operation against Hamas, however, no evidence has been presented to suggest Hamas is operating from the hospital. 

Here is what we know so far.

- The raid is now in its eighth hour, and is still ongoing. The operating room is one of many that have been raided.

- Israeli forces are carrying out interrogations of medical staff and searching rooms. Checkpoints have been placed at entrances to the hospital, with everyone entering or leaving interrogated. 

- A doctor at al-Shifa told Reuters that the Israeli military had opened fire outside the hospital.

- In a recorded conversation, the Al-Shifa director told the Israeli military that entering the hospital will “terrify patients” and cause “hysteria”.

- Some doctors have decided to stay in the hospital with their patients, saying that they will be left to die otherwise. 

- The Israeli military has announced that there “is no sign of Israeli hostages at al-Shifa Hospital,” on Israeli Army Radio.