In a recent interview on LiveNOW, IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Peter Lerner shed light on the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) operation targeting Hamas militants near the Al-Shifa hospital, Gaza’s largest medical facility.
The interview, hosted by Andrew Craft, delved into the intricacies of the IDF’s actions, aiming to dismantle Hamas infrastructure while minimizing civilian casualties and safeguarding crucial civilian establishments.
Lt. Col. Lerner emphasized the complexity of conducting operations in densely populated areas, highlighting the challenges posed by Hamas embedding its operations within civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, deliberately endangering non-combatants.
During the discussion, Lerner emphasized the IDF’s commitment to adhering to international law, maintaining that every effort was made to minimize collateral damage and avoid harm to innocent civilians. He stressed the necessity of these operations to safeguard Israeli citizens from incessant rocket attacks launched by Hamas militants from within Gaza.
The Al-Shifa hospital, a pivotal medical institution in Gaza, has been at the center of recent conflicts, with reports suggesting Hamas utilizing the hospital premises and surroundings for military activities, including rocket launches and weapon storage.
Lt. Col. Lerner reiterated that the IDF aims to target only military infrastructure and combatants, making rigorous efforts to warn civilians before conducting airstrikes or ground operations in such areas.
The interview provided insights into the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict in the region, underscoring the IDF’s efforts to navigate intricate situations while upholding humanitarian principles.
The situation remains tense, prompting global calls for de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the region.
