The Israel military, which announced the raid on Wednesday, characterized it as a "precise and targeted operation" against Hamas fighters in a specified area of the hospital, alleging the group's use of "human shields."
Hamas promptly rejected the Israel military claims, denouncing the raid and holding both Israel and the US "fully responsible for the repercussions." The resistance group accused the US of promoting a "false narrative" supporting Israeli actions.
Al-Shifa Hospital's director, Mohammad Abu Salmiya, described dire conditions, indicating that at least 179 bodies were buried in a mass grave, including seven babies and 29 intensive care patients.
Palestinian health officials reported over 11,300 deaths in weeks of artillery and airstrikes in Gaza, with around 40% of the fatalities being children.