Israeli forces are accused of entering Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, according to Palestine TV. The hospital's outer wall was reportedly demolished, prompting the Palestine Red Crescent Society to ask displaced individuals and medical staff to evacuate. Recent Israeli shelling in the area has resulted in numerous casualties and displacements. While Al-Amal Hospital has provided refuge for many Palestinians affected by the shelling, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied storming the hospital or ordering evacuations at gunpoint.

Additionally, the IDF confirmed using seawater to flood the Hamas underground tunnel network in Gaza. This marks the first acknowledgment of employing this strategy, raising concerns about potential damage to Gaza's water supply and agriculture. The IDF stated that the water pumping was carried out strategically to neutralize tunnels without harming the area's groundwater, emphasizing the professional development of this capability. According to Israeli estimates, Hamas's tunnels span 560-725 km beneath Gaza. A recent report suggests that approximately 80% of the Hamas tunnel system remains intact.

May be an image of the Western Wall
Destroyed buildings caused by Israeli bombing on the Zuwaida area in the central Gaza Strip (AFP)

Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross called for the protection of civilians in Gaza, emphasizing the risk posed by hostilities in densely populated areas, including those surrounding hospitals. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a Palestinian death toll of 26,751 since October 7, 2023, when Hamas initiated a cross-border surprise attack on Israel, resulting in around 1,200 casualties. This information was provided by the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Tuesday.

 

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