The IDF is currently operating inside Gaza’s Al Shifa hospital early Wednesday morning, according to an IDF statement.

The statement read: “Based on intelligence information and an operational necessity, IDF forces are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Al-Shifa Hospital.

“The IDF forces include medical teams and Arabic speakers, who have undergone specified training to prepare for this complex and sensitive environment, with the intent that no harm is caused to the civilians.”

Israel had informed Gaza health officials that its forces would raid the medical facility earlier on Wednesday, the IDF said.

This comes after the IDF said in a recent statement that Al Shifa – Gaza’s largest civilian hospital – is located directly above Hamas’ underground headquarters.

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The IDF said in their statement on Wednesday: “The operation was preceded by an effort to evacuate the hospital from the sick and homeless and even opened a special passageway from it.

“The hospital management was informed ahead of time about the (IDF) entrance to the complex…incubators, medical equipment, and baby food are expected to be transferred to the hospital.”

This comes as the IDF confirmed on Monday that Hamas is using hospitals in Gaza to store weapons and hostages.

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US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday: “We have information that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad used some hospitals in the Gaza Strip including Al-Shifa and tunnels underneath them to conceal and to support their military operations and to hold hostages.

“Hamas and the PIJ members operate a command and control node from Al-Shifa in Gaza City. They have stored weapons there and they are prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against that facility.”

Israel’s army has surrounded the hospital as part of its military ground offensive against Hamas.

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