Al-Shifa Hospital: Witness to the collapse of health care in Gaza

Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip, has served as a vital healthcare provider for the Palestinian people for 78 years. Since the Israeli offensive began on October 7, 2023, Shifa Hospital has become the heart of Gaza’s human rights abuses. The hospital has faced a surge in patients and a shortage of medicine. Israeli attacks on the hospital and its surroundings have put healthcare workers and patients at risk. On November 3, 2023, the entrance to Shifa Hospital and an ambulance convoy were bombed, killing at least 60 people. On November 15, 2023, Israel raided the hospital, threatening thousands of patients and displaced civilians. Israel demolished parts of the hospital before withdrawing. The hospital experienced a shortage of oxygen and medicine, leading to the deaths of many patients. On March 18, 2024, Israeli forces launched a second raid on Shifa Hospital, where more than 7,000 patients and displaced Palestinians had sought refuge. After the Israeli army completely destroyed the hospital and withdrew, mass graves with burnt human remains were discovered. Al-Shifa Hospital is a symbol of the collapse of health care in Gaza, the inhumanity of Israel’s attacks, and the violation of international law. The world cannot remain silent on the human tragedy of Shifa Hospital and the people of Gaza.