A former Israeli defense minister has firmly denied claims that the Israeli military intentionally targets hospitals in Gaza. Benny Gantz, who previously served in Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet, made these statements during an interview with Sky News.
Gantz addressed the ongoing conflict, which escalated after Hamas launched attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. He stated that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have never aimed to hit hospitals deliberately. He emphasized, "This is absolutely not true." Gantz explained that when the IDF targeted al Shifa hospital, they took extensive measures to avoid harming anyone.
The World Health Organization has reported severe damage to healthcare facilities in Gaza, noting that at least 94% of hospitals have been affected. Additionally, 917 healthcare workers have lost their lives since the conflict began. Gantz acknowledged these figures but reiterated that hospitals are often used by Hamas to conceal military infrastructure. He mentioned that the IDF alerts hospitals and evacuates them before taking action.
In the interview, Gantz expressed that he holds no animosity toward the people of Gaza or Iran. He described himself as a "man of peace" and expressed hope for a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can coexist peacefully. He stressed the importance of continuing military operations to free hostages and ensure that Hamas does not pose a threat.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with reports indicating that over 55,700 people have been killed since the conflict started, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. This count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Gantz defended Israel’s military actions, arguing that they are necessary for the country’s security and for the stability of the region.
As tensions rise, the Israeli military has also begun targeting sites in Iran, further complicating the already tense situation. Gantz’s comments come amid a backdrop of ongoing violence and humanitarian crises, leaving many to question the path forward for both Israelis and Palestinians.