Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, once a beacon of hope for the health system in Gaza, now lies in ruins, a stark representation of the destruction caused by recent conflicts. The scene on Sunday resembled the aftermath of a natural disaster, with the emergency department reduced to rubble and the surgery department left exposed to the elements.
Israeli troops returned to the hospital in March, leading to a devastating 12-day battle with Gazan gunmen that left the facility severely damaged. The once bustling plaza between the buildings now resembled a war zone, with uprooted trees, overturned cars, and a half-crushed ambulance scattered about.
During a visit to the hospital, Israeli soldiers claimed to have killed hundreds of fighters and captured many more, while Gazan officials alleged that hundreds of civilians were also killed in the crossfire. The conflicting reports highlight the deep divide in perspectives on the ongoing conflict.
The return of Israeli forces to Al-Shifa has been criticized as a strategic failure, with analysts pointing to the lack of transition to independent forces in Gaza, allowing Hamas to regroup. The soldiers defended their actions, stating that Hamas had turned the hospital into a military stronghold, leaving them no choice but to enter by force.
Palestinian journalist Motasem Dalloul captured the devastation in a video, denouncing the destruction as a result of Israel’s disregard for civilian life. The hospital, once a place of healing and refuge for thousands of Gazans, now stands as a grim reminder of the toll of the conflict.
As both sides continue to blame each other for the destruction, the future of Al-Shifa Hospital remains uncertain. The possibility of further raids and the return of Hamas fighters looms large, underscoring the ongoing cycle of violence and suffering in Gaza.