Israeli Forces Pull Out of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza
GAZA STRIP: Israeli Military Withdraws from Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza After Operation
The Israeli military has removed tanks and other vehicles from the compound that houses Al-Shifa, the primary hospital in the besieged region, according to a report released on Monday by the health ministry in Gaza, which is governed by Hamas. This withdrawal follows a major operation launched by the Israeli army targeting the site.
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According to the ministry, dozens of bodies were discovered at the complex, which witnessed airstrikes and shelling in recent days. Eyewitnesses confirmed the withdrawal of tanks and vehicles from the area.
Although the Israeli military did not acknowledge the withdrawal right away, witnesses stated that the vehicles were covered by aircraft as they withdrew.
Hamas Denies Operating from Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza
Launched on March 18, the army characterised the operation as precise, accusing Hamas of operating from the hospital facility. The military allegedly disseminated footage of weapons and cash they said were taken from the hospital and utilised by Islamic Jihad and Hamas.
Hamas denied using Al-Shifa and other medical facilities as its headquarters. The health ministry reported a significant scale of destruction within the complex and surrounding buildings, with over 20 bodies recovered, some decomposed, and some crushed by withdrawing vehicles.
Amid the spiralling death toll, deadly airstrikes pounded other areas of the Gaza Strip overnight, with at least 60 reported deaths. The conflict, which erupted when Hamas launched unprecedented attacks on Israel, has resulted in casualties on both sides.Around 1,160 people have died in Israel, predominantly civilians, while the Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 32,782 people have died in Gaza, mostly women and children.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire have so far failed to halt the fighting, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The situation has prompted international concern, with calls for immediate action to address the escalating violence and humanitarian needs in the region.
