‘All men 16 years and above…’: Israel forces storm into Gaza's Al Shifa hospital; patients, staff ‘being interrogated’

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Al Shifa hospital, the main medical facility in the besieged Gaza Strip, alleging that it was partly being used by the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a hideout and for storage of weapons. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF), in its statement, claimed that the troops are acting in a “professional" manner to prevent any harm to the civilians who are present inside the medical facility. "All men 16 years and above, raise your hands," Arabic speaking Israeli soldiers shouted, as they entered into the main building, news agency AFP reported, citing a journalist present at the spot.

Also Read: ‘Whoever needs surgery dies:’ Al-Shifa director as clashes rage near Gaza hospital; lives of 45 newborns under threat According to BBC, the Israeli soldiers are “going room to room and interrogating people", including patients and staff, at the hospital. However, no shooting was taking place, the news channel reported, citing a reporter present inside the medical facility. Around 1,000 Palestinian males were ordered to assembly in the hospital's main courtyard, AFP reported, citing the reporter which is in touch with the news agency from the ground.

"Exit the building towards the courtyard and surrender," a soldier could be heard as saying, the journalist reportedly said. Some of the male Palestinians assembled in the courtyard were "stripped naked" and searched for weapons and explosives, the AFP report stated. The IDF, in a statement, said its raid at Al Shifa is precise and targeted.