Israeli army says ends operation at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, detains director

Israeli army said Saturday it had concluded its raid on what they call a Hamas command center at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, detaining the hospital’s director as a suspected Hamas member.

The raid, which took place early Friday, targeted one of the area’s two remaining functional medical facilities.

Kamal Adwan Hospital director detained

The Israeli army said it had apprehended over 240 suspected Hamas members during the operation. Among those detained was Hossam Abu Safiyeh, the hospital’s director, who is suspected of being involved with Hamas.

“The hospital was being used by terrorists for military operations in Jabalia,” Israeli army claimed in a statement. It also alleged its forces seized weapons, including grenades and firearms, during the raid.

Meanwhile, Israeli army claimed it helped evacuate 350 patients, caregivers, and medical staff from the hospital before the raid began. An additional 95 individuals were evacuated to the Indonesian Hospital in coordination with local health officials.

The raid targeted a facility that the Israeli army claims was used by Hamas for military operations.

Death toll rises

Since an Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border attack by Hamas, Israel has killed more than 45,400 people in Gaza, reducing the enclave to rubble.

Last month, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.