That strategy has unfolded over the past three weeks as more than 40,000 Israeli soldiers encircled Gaza City, where Israeli officials say Hamas commanders were concentrated.
The soldiers then attacked fighters and bunkers, all while targeting a vast tunnel network that Israeli officials say enables Hamas forces to hide and carry out operations.
Israeli officials also assessed that striking so deeply in the heart of Gaza City would pressure Hamas to reach a deal on hostage releases.
Al-Shifa became Exhibit A in this narrative, as the Israeli military claimed Hamas used a vast maze of tunnels underneath the hospital as a base.
So far it is not clear that the Israeli strategy is working.
Persons:
Shifa, Daniel Hagari, Yoav Gallant, Israel
Organizations:
Shifa, Israel, Hamas
Locations:
Gaza City, Gaza, Al, Israel