On Monday, the Israeli army announced that it had completed its operations in the area surrounding al-Shifa hospital in the Gaza Strip after a two-week incursion. The army stated that they had finished their activities in the hospital area and killed terrorists during clashes before leaving the hospital area.
In November, Israeli forces caused controversy by entering the hospital while civilians sought refuge there. Following the first raid, Hamas leaders believed Israel had cleared the area and would not return, prompting a second, more intense operation.
The IDF and Shin Bet forces withdrew from the hospital area, and witnesses observed tanks and vehicles leaving amidst artillery fire and airstrikes. The second raid aimed to avoid harm to civilians, patients, and medical teams, resulting in the evacuation of over 6,000 people from the hospital. Hamas fighters were killed, and senior commanders were arrested during the offensive.
Reports indicated scenes of destruction around the hospital, with bodies abandoned on the premises and buildings set on fire or razed by army bulldozers. The discovery of dozens of bodies, some showing signs of being run over by military vehicles, raised concerns about the humanitarian situation. The World Health Organization reported deaths and critical conditions among patients remaining in the hospital.
The White House expressed concern over the situation, pledging to seek more information from the Israeli government. The aftermath of the Israeli offensive at al-Shifa hospital underscored
