Israel’s military has ended a two-week raid on al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, leaving the major medical complex in ruins. The hospital, which was run by Hamas, had been used as a base by fighters from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The IDF claimed that the operation resulted in the killing and detention of hundreds of “terrorists” and the discovery of weapons and intelligence throughout the hospital. They accused Hamas fighters of using medical departments for combat activities, setting off explosives, and burning hospital buildings.
The raid saw intense fighting and airstrikes in the surrounding area, leading to the destruction of key hospital buildings. The Hamas-run health ministry reported finding dozens of bodies in and around the complex and stated that the hospital was now completely out of service.
Patients at al-Shifa recounted a harrowing experience of being trapped in the hospital during the raid, with little food and medical care available. The World Health Organization expressed concern over the conditions at the hospital, with ongoing bombing and lack of support for patients.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the raid, claiming that al-Shifa had become a “terrorist lair” and that over 200 members of Palestinian armed groups had been killed. The IDF detained around 900 people in and around the hospital, with more than 500 of them confirmed to be members of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
The conflict in Gaza has left thousands dead and injured, with hospitals struggling to provide medical care. International aid and assistance are urgently needed to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. The ongoing violence highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive post-war plan to govern Gaza and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.