IDF: No siege at Shifa Hospital, we’ll help move babies to safety; 5 soldiers killed

As fighting between Israel and Hamas continued to rage Saturday in northern Gaza, including near the Strip’s largest hospital, the Israel Defense Forces denied Palestinian claims that the hospital was under siege or that those inside were trapped, while asserting troops were continuing to make achievements against Hamas on the ground.

The IDF further said that it was asked by staff at Shifa Hospital to help enable the transfer of babies in the pediatric department to a safer hospital, and would do so on Sunday.

The military also announced that five more soldiers had been killed in the fighting, bringing the toll of servicemembers slain in Israel’s ground operation in the enclave to 42.

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a press briefing Saturday evening that ground forces, with air and naval support, were “deepening” operations in Gaza City’s al-Shati neighborhood.

He said Hamas was losing control of northern Gaza, as civilians evacuate the area “against the instructions” of the terror group, and noted that some 200,000 had left the Strip’s north in the past three days alone. READ MORE