Israel Releases Video and Accounts of Atrocities to Justify Military Action
Facing international criticism over the deteriorating conditions in Gaza’s besieged hospitals, Israel has released a video showing weapons allegedly found inside a children’s hospital and accounts of sexual violence and other atrocities committed by Hamas during the October 7 attacks. As conditions worsen for patients, including premature babies, at Gaza City’s main hospital complex, which has been surrounded by Israeli troops and without power, hospital workers are now digging a mass grave for decomposing bodies. Israel’s videos were presented to counter the worldwide protests and criticism, with the United Nations, aid groups, and many countries calling for a cease-fire and expressing concern for the hospitals. Israel claims that Hamas has used hospitals as human shields by digging tunnels underneath them for command centers and safe houses, a description supported by the United States. However, Hamas and hospital officials have denied these allegations. The videos released by Israel show weapons and explosives allegedly found in Gaza’s main children’s hospital and a room where hostages were reportedly held. The authenticity of the weapons and the purpose of the room could not be verified. The Gaza Health Ministry disputed many of the claims made in the videos, stating that the footage was taken at Al-Rantisi Specialized Hospital for Children and that the paper shown in the video was a regular work shift timetable. The ministry did not address the starting date on the calendar, which referenced the attack by Hamas. The White House supported Israel’s claims of Hamas using hospitals for military purposes but emphasized the need to protect innocent civilians seeking medical care. As Israeli forces gain control over northern Gaza, hospitals in the area have become a cause for concern, with the World Health Organization stating that Al-Shifa Hospital is no longer functioning as a hospital. Israeli officials have emphasized their efforts to limit harm to civilians in the campaign, although the exact number of civilian casualties remains disputed. Israel has announced plans to deliver mobile incubators and respirators to Al-Shifa Hospital to help evacuate babies. In addition to the video evidence, Israeli officials shared graphic photos and videos from the October 7 attacks, highlighting acts of murder, rape, amputations, and other atrocities committed by Hamas. The extensive investigation into the attacks is ongoing.