Hamas fired rockets toward Ashdod from near a humanitarian shelter in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza on Monday, according to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.
Rockets were fired toward Ashdod for the first time since January on Monday afternoon. Eight rockets were fired in the barrage, with three intercepted by the Iron Dome. Later in the evening, rockets were fired toward Ashkelon as well.
According to the IDF, the rockets fired toward Ashdod were launched from a humanitarian zone in Deir al-Balah where civilians were staying. Air Force fighter jets struck the launcher on Monday evening, with secondary explosions seen after the strike indicating that weapons were being stored at the site.
“The attack was carried out precisely while avoiding harm to civilians who had evacuated the area before the attack was carried out,” said the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. “The terrorist organization Hamas operates in a systematic and cynical manner from civilian facilities and places its assets near civilian populations, thus using them as a human shield.”
IDF finds weapons hidden throughout Shifa Hospital
Additionally, on Monday, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit revealed that Hamas weapons were found by forces from Sayeret Nahal in the MRI complex and maternity ward at Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza.
Sayeret Nahal soldiers eliminated several armed terrorists in the hospital in face-to-face combat in several buildings. Weapons were found inside various medical devices and in the ceiling of the hospital.
In the maternity ward, Israeli forces found Kalashnikov rifles, grenades, explosives, mortars, and bullet magazines. Several armed terrorists were hiding in the maternity ward as well and opened fire on Israeli forces.
In addition, Lt.-Col. A., a company commander in Shayetet 13, noted that the Shayetet and the 401st Brigade found many weapons hidden within medical equipment and among patients at Shifa Hospital.
A. stressed that "during the surgical operation, we distinguished between the patients and visitors and the terrorists. We eliminated the terrorists, and many of them were arrested."