Israeli forces face fierce resistance from Hamas militants, with concerns mounting over civilian casualties and hospital safety.

The battle between Israeli troops and Hamas militants has reached a critical point in Gaza, centering around the Al-Shifa hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza City and a strategic location. For days, Israeli forces have engaged in fierce urban combat with Hamas fighters in the surrounding neighborhood, hoping to seize control of the area, which they believe will trigger the collapse of Hamas’ defenses.

Despite heavy fighting, which continued through the night and into the following day, the Israeli government maintains that gaining control of the hospital and its vicinity is vital to their military objectives. However, concerns are growing internationally over the civilian toll, which has surpassed 11,000 Palestinian deaths. As public pressure mounts, Israel faces calls for a ceasefire, including from prominent world leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who have condemned the high death toll and urged for a humanitarian pause.

Inside the Al-Shifa hospital, the situation is dire. The hospital director reported that the facility lost power on Saturday, causing critical medical devices to fail and putting patients, especially those in intensive care, at risk. Amid the chaos, there are reports that Israeli troops are firing at anyone attempting to leave the hospital, further escalating the humanitarian crisis.

Israeli officials, however, deny any direct attack on the hospital, claiming they are merely engaging Hamas fighters in the vicinity. The Israeli military maintains it is taking precautions to avoid harming civilians, although there are ongoing reports of clashes near the hospital grounds.

As the conflict rages, Israel’s military strategy focuses on dismantling Hamas’ infrastructure, including tunnels and military strongholds, while pressure from international communities grows for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilian lives. The Israeli government has faced increasing protests at home, with citizens demanding the return of hostages taken by Hamas during earlier attacks on Israel.