Israeli troops withdraw from Shifa Hospital in Gaza: IDF

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said Israeli Defense Force (IDF) troops have withdrawn from Shifa Hospital in Gaza, two weeks after the troops launched a second raid on the medical center.

IDF confirmed those reports Monday morning to Fox News.

"IDF and ISA troops have completed precise operational activity in the area of the Shifa Hospital and exited the area of the hospital," IDF said. "The troops killed terrorists in close-quarters encounters, located numerous weapons and intelligence documents throughout the hospital, while preventing harm to civilians, patients, and medical teams."

Eyewitnesses told The Times of Israel that troops withdrew under the cover of airstrikes and artillery fire.

"Over the past day, IAF aircraft killed terrorists who posed an immediate threat to IDF troops, including a sniper who posed a threat to the troops who was struck and killed by an IDF helicopter," the IDF told Fox News. 

"In Khan Yunis, IDF Commando troops are operating in the area of Al-Amal. The troops killed terrorists in close-quarters encounters, conducted targeted raids on terrorist infrastructure in the area, and apprehended a number of terrorists. During searches, the troops located many weapons, including explosive devices." 

The IDF's military operation was launched on March 18 in what it described as a "precise" raid to target terror leaders and infrastructure.