Israeli forces have withdrawn from Gaza’s largest hospital complex after a two-week military operation, leaving behind a scene of devastation with charred buildings and bodies scattered throughout the sprawling compound.
According to Israel, the operation targeted Palestinian fighters who were allegedly hiding inside Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
The Israeli military claims to have killed at least 200 enemy fighters and seized significant quantities of weapons, explosives, and money.
However, the Gaza health ministry, under Hamas rule, reports extensive destruction both within the hospital complex and in surrounding buildings, stating that numerous bodies, some in advanced stages of decomposition, have been recovered.
Al-Shifa Hospital is now described as being “completely out of service.”
Witnesses recount horrific scenes of bodies, including children and unarmed civilians, being run over by military vehicles during the Israeli withdrawal.
AFP correspondents have observed evidence of such brutality, including badly decomposed bodies bearing tire marks.
The Israeli military has been approached for comment on these allegations.
Meanwhile, clashes continue to erupt around other Gaza hospitals, particularly in Khan Yunis, where the Nasser and Al-Amal hospitals have been embroiled in battles amid ongoing conflict sparked by Hamas attacks in October.
