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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) fired tank shells on the Nasser hospital in Gaza on Monday killing 20 civilians including five journalists and several more medics and first responders. According to the BBC, the IDF struck the hospital four times including a strike roughly ten minutes after the first wave of strikes as first responders arrived at the scene. The IDF initially did not specify who or what it was targeting but later claimed it was targeting a camera that it claimed was being operated by Hamas. The strikes on Nasser Hospital sparked a wave of international criticism and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu called the strikes “regrettable” sparking push back from some on the Israeli right. The IDF announced on Friday that is moving forward with its plan to occupy Gaza City and declared the city an active combat zone and resumed round the clock fighting. The moves comes with the suspension of aid to the city. The UN announced that it had evacuated 23,000 residents from Gaza city, however many residents continue to refuse to leave in spite of Israel’s renewed offensive. This includes 440 people sheltering in the Holy Family Church in Gaza City. Israeli protesters staged a “day of disruption” on Tuesday calling for an end to the war and a return of the hostages. The latest protests, primarily spearheaded by the families of the hostages, are some of the largest Israel has seen since the war began. Israeli military officials have expressed worry about the increased strain on reservists due to the renewed campaign. Some reservists have refused to report to duty in recent months. While opposition to the war in Gaza is growing, many Israelis show little sympathy for the Gazans. A recent poll revealed that 76% of Israeli Jews believe there are no innocents in Gaza.
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