US believes Hamas used Al Shifa Hospital but evacuated before Israeli operation: Report

According to declassified US intelligence, both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad used Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital to command forces and held some hostages. The hospital complex was reportedly evacuated by these groups days before Israeli troops entered. The US government believes that Hamas utilized the hospital for command and control activities, weapons storage, and hostage holding. This information was independently confirmed by US intelligence agencies, although the evidence has not been disclosed publicly.

Israel, too, claims that Al Shifa was used by Hamas, occupying it earlier in the conflict in Gaza. The hospital's targeting raised concerns globally about the safety of civilians and patients inside. The World Health Organization described the hospital's emergency department as resembling a "bloodbath."

Related video: Gaza's Al Shifa hospital 'completely overwhelmed' - WHO (Reuters)

During Israel's advance on Al Shifa in November, some patients were reportedly still inside. Israel asserted that the hospital sat atop tunnels housing Hamas headquarters, using patients as shields—a claim denied by Hamas. While the Israeli assessment was partially correct regarding hostages, it appears they were moved as Hamas evacuated.

In November, the White House asserted that Hamas militants were using Al Shifa as a command and control node, potentially endangering patients and medical staff. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, marked by Hamas' October 7 attack and Israel's subsequent assault on Gaza, has resulted in significant casualties, with over 22,000 reported deaths according to Gaza health officials.

अमेरिका का मानना है कि हमास ने अल शिफा अस्पताल का इस्तेमाल किया था लेकिन इजरायली ऑपरेशन से पहले उसे खाली करा लिया गया: रिपोर्ट