Israel alleges that Hamas’ leadership is ensconced in al-Shifa hospital. It made this spurious claim during Operation Cast Lead in 2008-09. (See my Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom, p. 54.) If the allegation is true this time, then its cause for wonder why Israel doesn’t attack al-Shifa. After all, Israel’s stated objective is to eliminate Hamas. It can’t be squeamishness about killing Gazans. It’s already killed many thousands of Gazans, including thousands of children, in targeted and indiscriminate bombardments. It can’t be reluctance to attack hospitals: it has always targeted hospitals during its high-tech massacres, and has already targeted four hospitals in its latest massacre. There’s a simple way to resolve this mystery. The Times reports that Israel has “publicly laid out where it said specific installations were hidden, based on what they said was intelligence.” Then admit international inspectors to verify the allegation. Or will Israel and the US again block international inspectors–as it did after some 500 people were killed at Arab National “Baptist” Hospital? Those who have nothing to hide have nothing to fear.