GAZA: Israeli forces have withdrawn from Gaza’s largest hospital complex, Al-Shifa, following a devastating two-week military operation that left behind a scene of destruction and loss. The operation resulted in the deaths of at least 400 Palestinians, including patients and medical staff within the Al-Shifa Hospital.
The health ministry in Gaza reported extensive destruction within the complex and its surrounding buildings, with several bodies discovered amidst the wreckage. Many of the bodies were found in a state of decomposition, with some showing signs of having been run over by Israeli military vehicles during the withdrawal.
Eyewitness accounts from doctors and civilians revealed the grim reality of the situation, describing scenes of devastation and the tragic loss of innocent lives. Israeli forces left the hospital completely out of service, rendering it unable to provide vital medical care to the wounded and sick in Gaza.
The Israeli army labeled its actions at the Al-Shifa complex as “precise operational activity” before announcing its withdrawal on Monday. However, the aftermath of the operation paints a starkly different picture, with the complex reduced to rubble and volunteers scrambling to retrieve and bury the deceased.
Looming Famine in Gaza Amid Israeli Forces Violence
The withdrawal coincided with heavy Israeli airstrikes and shelling in the vicinity, allegedly aimed at providing cover for the departing troops and tanks. The relentless Israeli bombardment has compounded the widespread destruction across Gaza, leaving many areas in ruins and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis gripping the besieged Palestinian territory.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages have been ongoing, but Hamas officials have expressed doubt over progress in negotiations. Meanwhile, international humanitarian agencies have sounded the alarm over the dire situation in Gaza, where millions of Palestinians are on the brink of famine amid a severe shortage of essential supplies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s contentious plans to invade Rafah have also strained relations with key allies, including the United States. Amid escalating tensions, a scheduled video conference between Israeli and US officials aims to address the situation, though challenges persist in finding a viable solution to the ongoing crisis.
