Israel conduct operations against militants in Gaza

In recent developments, Israeli forces have initiated operations against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants in Gaza City's Shifa Hospital and Khan Yunis, according to statements from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday.

The IDF's return to Shifa Hospital was prompted by intelligence indicating the presence of senior Hamas figures within the compound, allegedly planning attacks. Since their re-entry on March 18, Israeli forces have reported neutralizing over 200 militants and detaining 800 suspects, with a significant number confirmed as members of Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

For the safety of patients, they were relocated within the Shifa compound, with assurances from the IDF that civilians and medical staff remained unharmed during the operations.

The IDF further disclosed that Hamas had established administrative offices within the hospital premises, particularly focusing on government ministries such as education, interior, treasury, and police. Additionally, Hamas was purportedly in the process of disbursing salaries to its civil and military officials, with amounts ranging from USD 200 to several hundred dollars.

Operations in Khan Yunis, meanwhile, resulted in the seizure of explosives and mortar shells from the Al Amal and Al Qarara neighborhoods. Additionally, airstrikes targeted tunnel shafts and an underground rocket launcher in other areas of Gaza.

The recent offensive comes in the wake of heightened tensions following Hamas attacks near the Gaza border in October, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 people and the taking of 240 hostages. Israel has recently confirmed the deaths of 31 hostages, with 134 still unaccounted for.