WASHINGTON: In a detailed analysis, The Washington Post has examined open-source visuals, satellite imagery, and materials released by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) regarding its operation at Gaza City’s Al Shifa Hospital in November.

The IDF’s claims, made before the Nov 15 operation, alleged that the hospital was used by Hamas for military activities. However, The Post’s analysis points to discrepancies.

No immediate evidence of military use: the rooms connected to the tunnel network discovered by IDF troops showed no immediate evidence of military use by Hamas.

Buildings not connected to tunnels: none of the five hospital buildings identified by the IDF appeared to be connected to the tunnel network.

No access from hospital wards: there is no evidence that the tunnels could be accessed from inside hospital wards.

This analysis raises legal and humanitarian questions about the proportionality of Israel’s military operations against the hospital, given the assessed threat.

The Biden administration declassified US intelligence assessments supporting Israel’s claims, but these remain undisclosed to the public.

While Israeli and US officials assert confidence in the intelligence, concerns linger about the civilian harm caused by the military operation.

The Post’s investigation underscores the unprecedented nature of targeting a medical complex and emphasises the need for a thorough understanding of Israeli intelligence and battle plans to assess the legality of the military operations.

Legality questioned

The legal community questions the urgency and reasonability of Israel’s actions.

The aftermath of the Al Shifa incident, with thousands of civilians trapped, closure of medical facilities, and continuing attacks on hospitals in Gaza, has become a crucial case study in evaluating Israel’s adherence to the laws of war.

The destruction and targeting of medical facilities, including Kamal Adwan Hospital, raise concerns about potential precedents and the violation of protections afforded to such institutions even during times of conflict.

The Washington Post’s meticulous analysis sheds light on the complex and sensitive issues surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, emphasising the importance of transparent evidence and a comprehensive understanding of the situation for a fair assessment.

“The evidence presented by the Israeli government falls short of showing that Hamas had been using the hospital as a command and control centre,” the newspaper pointed out.

The analysis raises critical questions about “whether the civilian harm caused by Israel’s military operations against the hospital — encircling, besieging and ultimately raiding the facility and the tunnel beneath it — were proportionate to the assessed threat”.

Hours before IDF troops entered the complex, the Biden administration declassified US intelligence assessments that it said bolstered Israel’s claims.

But the Post questions the validity of the US claim. “The US government has not made any of the declassified material public and the official would not share the intelligence this assessment was based on,” the paper noted.

“Before, I was convinced that [Al Shifa] was where these operations were taking place,” a member of the US Congress told the Post.

But now, he added: “I think there has to be a new level of demonstration. They should have more proof at this point.”

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2023