Gaza Conflict Update: Israeli Troops Exit Al-Shifa Hospital, Witnesses Say
Israeli troops have withdrawn from al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, as reported by witnesses who spoke to the BBC. The evacuation comes after the hospital was initially raided two weeks ago when the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) alleged intelligence suggesting Hamas was utilizing it as a base for launching attacks. Recent weeks have seen intense fighting around the hospital, Gaza’s largest medical facility.
Despite Hamas’ denial of using medical sites for military purposes, heavy conflict persisted. Following the withdrawal, Palestinian media outlets reported discovering numerous bodies in the vicinity of the complex, citing witnesses and the Hamas-run health ministry. However, these reports remain unverified by the BBC. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed 21 patient fatalities within al-Shifa Hospital over the past fortnight, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed over 200 “terrorists” were killed.
When the initial raid was announced, IDF chief spokesman Daniel Hagari alleged that “Hamas terrorists have regrouped inside al-Shifa hospital.” The IDF initiated a “high-precision” operation on the hospital grounds and urged displaced civilians sheltering there to evacuate promptly. Witnesses described heavy gunfire and tank presence surrounding the facility during the raid’s early hours on March 18th.
Al-Shifa Hospital had been raided earlier in the conflict following Israeli claims that hostages from a prior attack were held there. Israel has consistently accused Hamas of exploiting civilian health infrastructure as cover for military operations, an accusation vehemently refuted by the Palestinian group.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s head, characterized the situation at al-Shifa Hospital as a “siege,” highlighting the dire conditions faced by patients and staff. Prior to the troop withdrawal, he underscored the challenges of more than 100 individuals stranded inside, lacking essential supplies. Netanyahu reiterated the hospital’s characterization as a “terrorist lair,” praising Israeli soldiers for executing a “precise and surgical” operation.
Netanyahu’s remarks came before his own surgery to address a hernia discovered during a routine check-up. Following a successful operation, he assured the public of his recovery. Meanwhile, demonstrations in Jerusalem expressed mounting frustration over the government’s handling of the Gaza conflict. Protesters demanded intensified efforts to free hostages taken during the October attack, with around 130 individuals, including at least 34 presumed dead, still unaccounted for.
Simultaneously, an Israeli airstrike targeted al-Aqsa Hospital, injuring seven journalists, including a BBC freelancer. The strike aimed to dismantle a command center utilized by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) group, which is aligned with Hamas. Four PIJ members were killed in the operation, according to IDF reports.
The events surrounding al-Shifa and al-Aqsa hospitals underscore the complex dynamics of the conflict, intertwining military operations, humanitarian concerns, and media coverage. As tensions persist, the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire remains a pressing issue, demanding international attention and concerted efforts toward peace and resolution.
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