UPDATE – Israel’s Netanyahu looking for ‘illusion’ at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza: Hamas

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By Anadolu staff

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is looking for an “illusion” at the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Hamas said Friday.

“Netanyahu and his war cabinet are looking for a mirage that indicates their inability and hollow arrogance,” Abu Obaida, a spokesman for the Palestinian group’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said in a recorded speech.

“(The army) raid on the hospital to show off their force is evidence of their failure and defeat,” he said.

The Israeli army raided Al-Shifa, the largest medical complex in the Gaza Strip, on Wednesday as part of its offensive in the Gaza Strip.

***The Israeli army said Friday that its forces had retrieved the body of a female soldier who was held captive by Hamas in a building near the Al-Shifa Hospital.

***The Israeli army estimates that at least 239 Israelis have been taken captive by Hamas following a cross-border attack on Oct. 7.

***Abu Obaida said Hamas is trying to protect the lives of hostages, but sometimes has failed due to the Israeli airstrikes.

“We tell you (Israelis) that your leadership seems to have decided to sacrifice your prisoners,” he said. “The Qassam Brigades have offered to strike a prisoner exchange deal since the start of the fight to resolve this humanitarian issue.”

Abu Obaida said Hamas fighters have prepared for a “long battle.” "The longer the occupation stays in Gaza the highest their losses will be,” he said.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

More than 12,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 8,300 women and children, and over 30,000 others injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have been damaged or destroyed in the Israeli offensive.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, stands at 1,200, according to official figures.