Jerusalem [Israel]: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a targeted military operation around the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza on Friday, following intelligence reports of terrorist infrastructure and activities in the area.
Kamal Adwan Hospital UPDATE:
— COGAT (@cogatonline) December 27, 2024
📍The @IDF began operating in the area of the Kamal Adwan Hospital following prior intelligence regarding the presence of terrorist infrastructure and operatives.
📍The Kamal Adwan Hospital serves as a Hamas terrorist stronghold in northern Gaza,…
The IDF stated that its troops are focusing on precise operations to neutralize threats while taking measures to protect civilians, medical personnel, and patients.
“While maintaining ongoing communication with hospital officials, the IDF and @cogatonline continue to make extensive efforts to enable patients to continue receiving care in other hospitals by facilitating the evacuation of patients from the Kamal Adwan Hospital, the ongoing transfer of supplies, food, and fuel to the area, and the restoration of operations of hospitals in the area,” the IDF shared in a post on X.
Coordination with Local and International Authorities
Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), responsible for liaison with the Palestinian Authority, confirmed that it is coordinating with local health authorities and international organizations to evacuate patients.
COGAT accused Hamas of using the Kamal Adwan Hospital as a “terrorist stronghold” in northern Gaza. It stated that the hospital has been repeatedly exploited as a base for operations, despite its civilian purpose.
“Hamas systematically violates international law by abusing civilian infrastructure and the Gazan population as shields for its terrorist activities,” COGAT alleged.
COGAT highlighted prior IDF and Israel Security Agency (ISA) operations in the area in October 2024 and stated that the hospital continues to serve as a key location for terrorist operatives.
Compliance with International Law
The IDF reiterated its commitment to adhering to international law regarding medical facilities, even in cases where Hamas embeds military infrastructure in such locations. “The IDF will continue to act in accordance with international law regarding medical facilities, including those where Hamas has chosen to embed its military infrastructure and conduct terrorist activities in blatant violation of international law,” it said.
Related Developments in Yemen
This operation follows Israeli Air Force strikes conducted a day earlier against Houthi military infrastructure in Yemen. The strikes targeted facilities on the western coast and inland, including Sana’a International Airport, Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations, as well as ports in Al-Hudaydah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib. These facilities were reportedly used by the Houthis for military activities.