WHO Reports Gaza’s Largest Al-Shifa Hospital as an Abandoned Structure Filled with Human Graves

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, has been reduced to ashes by Israel’s recent siege, leaving behind an “empty shell” with many bodies. Israeli forces withdrew from the hospital after a two-week military operation, during which they claimed to have engaged Palestinian operatives inside the medical complex.

A WHO-led mission finally gained access to the hospital on Friday, revealing the extensive destruction caused by the siege. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the team witnessed at least five dead bodies during their visit. Most of the buildings in the hospital complex were extensively destroyed, with assets damaged or reduced to ashes.

Efforts to revive basic services at Al-Shifa after a previous raid last year have now been lost, depriving people of lifesaving healthcare services. Only 10 out of Gaza’s 36 main hospitals remain partially functional, according to WHO.

The Gaza war, which began on October 7, has resulted in a high number of casualties on both sides. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and has conducted relentless bombardments, causing a significant loss of life. Tedros emphasized the urgent need for action in Gaza to prevent famine, disease outbreaks, and increasing trauma injuries.

He called for the protection of remaining health facilities, humanitarian workers, and unimpeded access for aid into Gaza. The WHO chief also urged for a ceasefire to halt the ongoing violence and provide relief to the affected population.