Israeli forces stormed the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis yesterday, looking, they claimed, looking for hostages and weapons. The Associated Press cited health officials saying this morning that five patients in intensive care died when their oxygen was cut off.
According to the AP report troops moved into the hospital on Feb. 15 after the military said it had “credible intelligence” that Hamas had held hostages there and that the hostages’ remains might still be inside. IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said forces were conducting a “precise and limited” operation there and would not forcibly evacuate medics or patients.
Hagari later reported that troops were still searching the hospital. He claimed dozens of militants were arrested from the hospital grounds, including three who participated in the Oct. 7 attack. He also claimed troops found grenades and mortar shells, and that Israeli radar determined that militants fired mortars from the hospital grounds a month ago. AP notes that the IDF claims could not be independently confirmed.
