The Israeli military on Tuesday reportedly ordered the evacuation of a hospital in the northern Gaza Strip, as Israel's parliament voted to extend the country's state of emergency for another year.
The Palestinian news agency, WAFA, said that the patients of the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia had to leave and that Israeli forces were attacking the facility.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they had “conducted and completed limited operations against terrorist and infrastructure operatives in the area of the Indonesian Hospital.”
It said the operation was based on “detailed information on the location of terrorists” and followed “attacks against IDF soldiers from the hospital area, including anti-tank missile attacks.” “
“Terrorists also planted explosive devices and booby traps in the area around the hospital complex,” the IDF statement said.
The information could not be independently verified at first.
Since the start of the Gaza war 14 months ago, there have been several separations in and around hospitals on the beach. According to the United Nations, hospitals have repeatedly been the target of large-scale attacks.
Israel accuses the Islamic terrorist group Hamas of using hospitals and other civilian facilities as command bases or weapons depots.
State of emergency extended
Also on Tuesday, Israel's parliament voted to extend the country's state of emergency for another year.
The measure will now be in force until December 25, 2025, local media reported, after 29 of 120 lawmakers voted for the proposal. Seven people voted against it while the rest were absent or abstained.
The state of emergency allows the government to issue emergency orders.
Hamas terrorists and other Palestinian extremists started the Gaza war by entering Israel and attacking Israeli communities on October 7, 2023. More than 1,200 people were killed and about 250 others were taken to Gaza.
Israel subsequently declared a state of emergency, which was later extended.
Netanyahu's Christmas message
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also spoken to Christians around the world in a Christmas message.
“At a time when Israel is fighting on seven fronts, we greatly appreciate the constant support of our Christian friends around the world,” Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office on Tuesday.
“We seek peace with all who seek peace with us, but we will do whatever is necessary to protect the one Jewish state,” he said.
“Israel is leading the world in fighting the forces of evil and peace, but our battle is not over yet. With your support, and with God's help, I assure you, we will win. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
