Israel has said Gaza's militant Hamas rulers have a command post under the hospital, without providing much evidence. The Israeli military had no immediate comment when asked about reports of strikes near Shifa. Casualties on both sides are expected to rise sharply as Israeli forces and Palestinian militants battle in dense residential areas. Despite the Israeli offensive, Palestinian militants have continued firing rockets into Israel, with the constant sirens in southern Israel a reminder of the threat. Israel says its strikes target Hamas fighters and infrastructure and that the militants operate among civilians, putting them in danger.

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Persons: Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, —, ” Mahmoud, Abdallah Sayed, Netanyahu, Yehia Sinwar, Daniel Hagari, ” Netanyahu, ”, ” Hagari, ___ Magdy Organizations: Hamas, Tanks, Communications, Residents, Shifa, Palestinian, Gaza Health Ministry, Health Ministry, U.S, West Bank, Palestinian Health Ministry Locations: DEIR, Gaza, Gaza's, Israel, Gaza City, Shifa, ”, gunning, Palestinian, U.N, Egypt, Syria, Iran, The U.S, Iraq, Cairo, ___, israel