According to an Israeli military spokesman, no shots are being fired towards al-Shifa Hospital.
The official stated in an Arabic video message that although there are skirmishes between the hospital and Hamas gunmen in the area, the hospital itself is not a target and that anyone wishing to flee can do so in safety from the east side of the complex.
The hospital’s director, Muhammad Abu Salmiya, and the deputy director of the Gaza Health Ministry, Youssef Abu al-Reesh, previously talked with Al Jazeera from within al-Shifa Hospital.
They spoke of an Israeli artillery bombardment state of siege, with frequent threats of sniper fire directed at anyone attempting to enter or exit the compound.
