A massive rally is currently taking place in Tel Aviv to mark the 100-day anniversary since Hamas launched a deadly raid into Israel. Approximately 120,000 individuals are participating in the event, which is scheduled to last for 24 hours. The rally aims to raise awareness and advocate for the release of over 100 hostages believed to be held in Gaza.
The event also serves as a platform for family members of the hostages and the French president to call for the resumption of negotiations. They argue that a political solution is preferable to a military one, stressing the importance of not giving up on their loved ones. The French president affirmed his country's commitment to not abandoning its citizens and pledged to do everything possible to bring them home safely.
Throughout the Israel-Hamas conflict, there have been controversial strikes on hospitals in Gaza. Between October 7th and December 7th, 20 out of the 22 hospitals in northern Gaza have been either damaged or completely destroyed. Analysis of imagery suggests that more than half of these hospitals were directly targeted. Al-Shifa and Al-Quds, the two largest hospitals in Gaza, were reportedly attacked by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Israel and US intelligence claim that Hamas utilized several of these hospitals as command and control centers, an allegation that Hamas denies. While hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law, their protection during war is not absolute. If hospitals are being used for military activities, their protected status can be forfeited. This does not, however, grant the military the freedom to launch unrestricted attacks.
One of the affected hospitals, Al-Quds, Gaza's second-largest, suffered severe damage and civilian casualties due to weeks of Israeli attacks in its vicinity. The director of Al-Quds reported bombings occurring all around the hospital. The IDF released a video showing them conducting a strike just 100 meters from the hospital entrance, claiming they were targeting a Hamas weapons depot. The strike occurred on November 5th, and despite the IDF's insistence on evacuation, medical staff within the hospital deemed it impossible.
Similarly, Al-Shifa Hospital, which provided shelter to displaced civilians, experienced intensified aerial attacks in its vicinity. The IDF denied attacking Al-Shifa but weapons experts found remnants of Israeli artillery shells in the hospital. Israeli forces eventually entered the hospital and claim to have found little evidence of Hamas operating within. However, civilians were forced to bury their loved ones within the hospital grounds amidst the ongoing siege.
The devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas over the past 100 days has resulted in numerous casualties and significant damage, including to healthcare facilities. The question remains whether any military objective can justify this level of destruction. Both sides continue to stand firm in their positions, emphasizing the need for a political solution and the hope for the safe return of the hostages held in Gaza.
