Israel announced that it had left the region of Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest in the Gaza Strip, after the end of a military operation that lasted two weeks. The military announced the conclusion of the action this Monday (1st).
The hospital complex was invaded by Israeli soldiers on March 18. At the time, Palestinian authorities said that the operation left victims and caused a fire in one of the buildings. Israel stated that it had asked the civilian population to leave the area.
In a statement published on Monday, the Israel Defense Forces said it had carried out a sweep of the hospital, learning weapons and intelligence documents. The military also said that terrorists were killed during the operation.
According to the Israeli army, the operation was carried out while “avoiding harm to civilians, patients and medical staff.”
According to the Associated Press, shortly after the Israeli military left the region, hundreds of people returned to the area of Al-Shifa Hospital. Witnesses said bodies were found inside and outside the complex.
Mohammed Mahdi, one of those who returned to the hospital area, told the AP that the scene he found was one of complete destruction. Yahia Abu Auf stated that several patients were referred to another hospital in the region.
“The situation is indescribable,” Auf said. “The occupation destroyed all meaning of life here.”
While the operation was underway, Israel claimed it killed 170 armed men in the area of Al-Shifa Hospital. Hamas accused the Israelis of having killed 240 patients.
Until the publication of this report, a new balance sheet had not been released.
Even before the operation in Al-Shifa, Israel accused Hamas of using structures such as hospitals for military purposes.
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