The rabbis, who belong to a right-wing organization called the Rabbinical Congress for Peace, claim that Jewish law permits attacking the hospital, even if it results in civilian casualties, because it is a "life-saving" measure for the zionist occupation regime.

They argue that the hospital is a legitimate military target, since it is used by Hamas as a headquarters, a weapons depot and a shelter for its fighters. They also accuse Hamas of exploiting the hospital's patients and staff as shields to deter israeli strikes.

The rabbis' ruling has sparked outrage and condemnation from human rights groups, medical organizations and Palestinian officials, who say that bombing the hospital would be a war crime and a violation of international humanitarian law.

The al-Shifa Hospital is the largest medical complex and central hospital in the Gaza Strip, serving hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.  It has been struggling to cope with the influx of wounded and sick people amid the ongoing israeli assault on Gaza.

The hospital is also facing severe shortages of fuel, water, medicine and equipment, as well as frequent power cuts and damage from nearby explosions.  Doctors and nurses have been working around the clock to save lives under extremely difficult conditions.

The latest data from Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports over 8,300 casualties, with 66% of those being women and children. Tens of thousands more have suffered injuries, emphasizing the severity of the crisis in Gaza. (ILKHA)