An analysis conducted by The Washington Post, using open-source visuals, satellite imagery, and materials publicly released by the Israeli military, has raised questions about the Israeli version of its operation at a Gaza City hospital in mid-November. The operation included storming the hospital compound, arresting individuals, and disrupting medical operations.
Israel’s military claimed that the hospital served as a significant node for Hamas military operations. Videos and photos released by the Israeli military showcased tunnels allegedly discovered under the medical facility, which they claimed to have destroyed before withdrawing from the compound on November 24.
However, The Washington Post analysis highlights key findings based on the available information. Rooms connected to the tunnel network, as shown in materials released by Israel, displayed “no immediate evidence of military use by Hamas.” Five hospital buildings, which Israel’s military claimed were directly involved in Hamas activities, did not appear to be connected to the tunnel network. There is currently no evidence that the tunnels could be accessed from inside hospital wards.
In a related development, the Israeli army confirmed the destruction of the Palestine Mosque in Gaza City’s Remal neighbourhood, after a month-long occupation. Footage released by the Israeli army features a soldier walking over the rubble and claiming that Hamas leaders exclusively used the tunnel beneath the mosque.
Meanwhile, Hamas has declared that discussions regarding the exchange of prisoners and captives will only occur after a full cessation of aggression by Israel on Gaza. The Israeli military ordered the evacuation of approximately 20 per cent of central and southern Khan Younis.
The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a Gaza resolution on Thursday, following days of negotiations aimed at avoiding a potential US veto.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has criticised the UN for what he perceives as a failure to deliver sufficient aid to the Gaza Strip. President Herzog expressed his frustration during a meeting with the visiting president of the French Senate, Gerard Larcher. Herzog argued that the UN’s efforts are falling short, claiming, “Unfortunately, due to a decisive failure of the United Nations, they are unable to bring in more than 125 trucks a day. It is possible today to provide three times the amount of humanitarian aid to Gaza—if the UN—instead of complaining all day—would do its job.”
The UN, however, countered these accusations, citing the challenging and dangerous conditions created by the ongoing Israeli military campaign as significant obstacles to regular aid deliveries in Gaza. The organisation argued that it is working diligently to navigate these difficulties and fulfil its humanitarian mission.
Israel faces international criticism as Human Rights Watch accuses the country of using the starvation of civilians as a “method of warfare.” Israel is further accused of restricting the amount of aid permitted into Gaza and attacking UN-run schools, raising concerns about the welfare of the civilian population.
Israeli attacks on Gaza have left 26,700 Palestinians dead and missing, and wounded nearly 53,000 since 7 October, according to the government media office in Gaza.
