During the promotional activity in the Israeli media, which is naturally exaggerated and excessive, the long build-up leading up to the IDF’s entry into Shifa Hospital in Gaza, led by the IDF spokesman, stood out.
Even before the IDF soldiers physically entered the Gaza Strip, all the commentators and retired generals who have been manning the TV panels for the past few weeks have already explained to us that one of the major goals of the ground operation is to capture the Shifa Hospital, under which – so they explained to us, including particularly convincing graphic illustrations – will be built the hole of the Hamas high command, and that’s where, we were convinced, many of the Israeli hostages were also taken in October 7th.
These high expectations, which were backed up by persuasive activity in the world, and in the preparation of hearts for action, led yesterday to a feeling of disappointment. The representatives of the IDF spokesman showed the cameras several Kalashnikovs hidden behind an MRI machine, a room that looked like a side office in a run-down factory, with a few phones and computers. Nothing like the big promises made in the hours upon hours of discussions on the television channels about the terrible blow that Hamas would receive when the IDF took over the complex.
These high expectations, which were backed up by persuasive activity in the world, and in the preparation of hearts for action, led yesterday to a feeling of disappointment
From a military point of view – entering Shifa Hospital was an impressive achievement. The soldiers of the IDF managed to carry out this complex and delicate task without harming the patients and doctors and without harming themselves. The takeover of the Rantisi hospital two days earlier – at the end of which IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari entered the place accompanied by foreign journalists – was also achieved in the same way.
In terms of communication and information, we remained stuck with the expectations that were flown to the sky and then crashed on the ground of reality. At least for now, we are only left with a “painful injury to an important symbol of Hamas”.
We must maintain modesty these days (and in general). We certainly do not know everything that is currently happening in the Gaza Strip. The IDF only reveals what it is comfortable to reveal now, and it is good that way. It is possible that later in the day, week or month – they will reveal more things that were discovered in the Shifa Hospital and the tunnels under it. Then we will all understand the true importance of what happened yesterday.
Dr. Avner Barnea 