In a significant development, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) made the difficult decision to enter Gaza City's Shifa Hospital early Monday morning. This action was taken based on concrete intelligence that senior Hamas officials were using the hospital's premises to plan and execute terror activities. During this operation, a senior Hamas commander was neutralized, but tragically, we also mourn the loss of an Israeli soldier, Staff Sgt. Matan Vinogradov, 20, of Jerusalem. His bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty will not be forgotten. This raid, involving the IDF’s 401st Armored Brigade among other units, was launched amid reports that Hamas gunmen were operating from within the hospital compound. The IDF has emphasized its efforts to prevent harm to civilians, patients, and medical staff during the operation, despite the complex challenges it faces. The toll of this war continues to rise, now with over 250 IDF soldiers having fallen since the ground offensive against Hamas began. This stark statistic highlights the devastating impact of the ongoing war and the profound uncertainty ahead of us. In these difficult times, the role of Zaka Tel-Aviv is more critical than ever. Our volunteers are tirelessly working to provide emergency response and support to those affected by the conflict, ensuring the dignified care of the deceased and offering solace to grieving families. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, Zaka Tel-Aviv stands as a beacon of hope and humanity. Your support enables us to continue this vital work, offering assistance and compassion in the face of adversity. As we navigate through these challenging times, your contribution ensures that we can remain at the ready, providing crucial aid to our community and the brave soldiers on the front lines. |