DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. Israel’s military concluded its two-week-long raid on Gaza’s largest hospital, Shifa Hospital, marking the end of a significant chapter in the ongoing conflict. The operation, which the Israeli military described as a major battlefield victory resulting in the elimination of approximately 200 militants and the capture of hundreds more, has left a trail of destruction and raised concerns about civilian casualties.
Palestinian residents, emerging from the aftermath of the raid, reported the departure of Israeli troops, lamenting the devastation left behind. Bassel al-Hilou, speaking to The Associated Press, described a grim scene, saying, “There was a massacre in my uncle’s house. The situation was indescribable.”
The raid on Shifa Hospital came amid mounting frustrations within Israel, evident in the tens of thousands protesting against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday. Demands for a more decisive action to secure the release of dozens of hostages held in Gaza reached a crescendo, marking the largest anti-government demonstration since the conflict’s inception.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the top military spokesperson, defended the operation, asserting that Hamas and Islamic Jihad had established their main northern headquarters within the hospital compound. He detailed days of intense combat, accusing Hamas of utilizing hospital wards as defensive positions and launching mortar rounds from within the compound.
The toll of the raid on civilians remains a contentious issue. While the military denies targeting non-combatants, Palestinian sources allege civilian casualties and accuse Israeli forces of reckless endangerment. The raid has also exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation, with the UN health agency reporting over 20 patient deaths and a severe strain on medical resources.
Despite the withdrawal from Shifa Hospital, the conflict’s broader implications continue to unfold. The war, which erupted on October 7, has left a devastating toll on both sides, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting over 32,000 Palestinian casualties. The humanitarian crisis looms large, with significant portions of Gaza’s population displaced and facing food shortages.
The departure from Shifa Hospital does not signal an end to Israel’s military campaign. Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to continue the offensive until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are freed. However, mounting pressure, both domestically and internationally, complicates the path forward, with allied countries cautioning against further escalation.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
