IDF Withdraws from Gaza’s Al Shifa Hospital Complex

Israeli troops withdrew from Gaza’s largest hospital complex on Monday, ending a two-week siege on Hamas forces there. 

For Context: This was the second time Israeli forces had raided Gaza’s Al Shifa Hospital, where they said Hamas was regrouping. Hundreds of Palestinians returned to the hospital on Monday, describing scenes of “total destruction” in a place where many Palestinians had previously sought refuge. 

Key Quote: The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the move, saying, “IDF and ISA troops have completed precise operational activity in the area of the Shifa Hospital and exited the area of the hospital,” adding, “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.” Palestinian officials, meanwhile, said it was a war crime for Israel to raid a hospital treating severely wounded patients. 

How the Media Covered It: Coverage was rarer in right-rated outlets, which often framed Israeli forces as conducting themselves responsibly; Fox News (Right bias) highlighted that “around 350 patients and medical staff were evacuated by the IDF,” and a National Review (Opinion rated Right) op-ed praised Israel’s “sustainable campaign” against Hamas. Coverage from the left and center often centered the destruction at the hospital; Reuters (Center bias) said Israel left behind “rubble and bodies,” The Washington Post (Lean Left bias) published photos from inside “the ruins” of the hospital, and Al Jazeera (Lean Left bias) highlighted “scenes of devastation” from “Israel’s destruction of” the hospital.