In a precision Israeli Defence Force operation overnight, Faiq Mabhouh, the Head of the Operations Directorate of Hamas’ Internal Security, was eliminated while armed and hiding in a compound at the Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza.
According to Israeli military command, Mabhouh used the compound at Shifa to operate and advance military activity. Numerous weapons were found in the room adjacent to where he was eliminated.
The IDF launched the operation based on intelligence information that Hamas fighters, had returned to Shifa Hospital and were conducting military activity from there.
Mahbouh is responsible for the coordination of Hamas activity throughout Gaza.
Several hours into the operation, the IDF said it had established control over the area, with troops surrounding several buildings at the hospital while calling on Hamas to come out and surrender.
During the operation, more than 80 suspects were arrested, including some confirmed militants.
Several armed Hamas soldiers were killed in gun battles on the hospital grounds.
One Israeli soldier, Matan Vinogradov, was killed in battle.
Before entering the hospital, IDF troops were briefed regarding the importance of preventing harm to civilians, patients, medical staff, and medical equipment; Arab speakers were sent in with troops to facilitate communication. IDF doctors were also present to provide assistance. Patients and medical staff were not asked to evacuate, but the IDF created corridors for civilians to leave the area safely.
