Hamas-run Health Ministry Says Israeli Army Withdraws From Al-Shifa

The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip announced on Monday, May 16, 2021, that the Israeli military had withdrawn its tanks and armored vehicles from the vicinity of Al-Shifa Hospital, which is the primary medical facility in the besieged Palestinian territory. This development came after several days of intense clashes between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces during a major Israeli military operation in the area.

Al-Shifa Hospital is located in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City and serves as the main medical center for the more than 2 million residents of the Gaza Strip. The hospital has been a frequent target of Israeli airstrikes and ground offensives during various conflicts between Israel and Palestinian militant groups, particularly Hamas, since 2000.

The latest escalation began on May 10, 2021, when clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem led to widespread violence between Palestinians and Israelis in various parts of Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. The situation escalated further on May 13 when Hamas launched rockets towards Jerusalem in response to the forced eviction of Palestinian families from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah, a neighborhood in East Jerusalem, and the planned entry of Israeli police into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for the "Jerusalem Day" celebration.

Israeli forces responded with airstrikes on targets throughout the Gaza Strip, causing significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including schools, residential buildings, and hospitals. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that at least 23 healthcare facilities were damaged or destroyed during the conflict, including Al-Shifa Hospital, which sustained significant damage to its emergency department and intensive care unit.

As the violence continued, there were reports of Israeli troops entering the hospital compound to search for militants hiding within its walls. The presence of Israeli forces near the hospital raised concerns about potential harm to patients and staff, as well as the potential disruption of essential medical services during an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Following international pressure and calls for restraint from various organizations, including the United Nations and the Red Cross, the Israeli military announced on May 17 that it would withdraw its forces from the hospital complex. The Hamas-run Health Ministry confirmed the withdrawal, stating that the Israeli military had removed its tanks and armored vehicles from the area surrounding Al-Shifa Hospital.

Despite the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the situation in Gaza remains tense, with ongoing clashes between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces, as well as continued rocket fire from Gaza into Israel. The conflict has resulted in over 240 Palestinian deaths, including 66 children, and thousands of injuries, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. On the Israeli side, 12 people have been killed, including two children. The violence has also led to widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and displacement of thousands of Palestinians.

The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire to end the violence and prevent further loss of life and damage to civilian infrastructure. The United Nations, European Union, United States, and other countries have condemned the violence and urged both sides to return to the negotiating table to find a peaceful solution to the longstanding conflict. However, as of now, there is no sign of a lasting ceasefire, and the situation remains volatile.