Three Palestinian militants were killed in a dramatic attack on the Ibn Sina Hospital in the occupied West Bank town of Jenin on Tuesday by armed Israeli forces dressed as women and medical personnel. The raid brought to light the rise in violence in the West Bank amid the Gaza crisis.
The Palestinian health ministry condemned the raid, stating that Israeli forces opened fire within the hospital wards. It called on the international community to pressure Israel to cease such operations in hospitals.
Contrary to the military’s claims that the hospital was being used as a hideout by militants, a hospital spokesperson denied any exchange of fire, suggesting that it was a targeted killing.
Israeli military alleged that the raid targeted militants planning an attack inspired by a previous Hamas assault on southern Israel but provided no evidence to support this claim.
Footage circulated on social media purportedly showed undercover Israeli forces, armed and disguised as women or hospital staff, conducting the raid. The military has faced criticism for similar attacks on hospitals in Gaza, which serve as shelters for displaced people and vital healthcare facilities for Palestinians injured in the conflict.
The healthcare system in Gaza has been severely impacted by Israeli restrictions on resources amidst the conflict with Hamas.
The war in Gaza was triggered by a Hamas attack, leading to a devastating offensive resulting in significant casualties and displacement.
The ongoing fighting has caused a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with a vast majority of the population displaced and facing starvation, according to the United Nations.
Israeli forces also reportedly raided the Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, where displaced people were sheltering, further escalating tensions.
The Israeli military stated its forces were operating in the area of the hospital but did not enter it without providing further details.
