Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza: From Backbone to 'Empty Shell' after Israeli Siege, WHO Reports

The largest hospital in Gaza, Al-Shifa, was severely damaged during a two-week military operation by Israeli forces.

The World Health Organization (WHO) described the hospital as an "empty shell with human graves" after gaining access on Friday.

Israeli forces had previously claimed they were battling Palestinian operatives inside the hospital.

The destruction of the hospital, which was once the most important medical complex in the Palestinian territory, was condemned by the UN health agency.

The WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reported on the condition of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, which was once the main healthcare facility in the region.

After the latest siege, the hospital is now in ruins with human graves present.

The team found at least five dead bodies during their visit.

Most of the buildings in the hospital complex are extensively destroyed, and the majority of assets have been damaged or reduced to ashes.

Restoring minimal functionality in the short term seems impossible, and an assessment by engineers is needed to determine if the remaining buildings are safe for future use.

WHO chief Tedros expressed regret that efforts to restore Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, which was damaged during an Israeli raid last year, have failed, leaving people without access to essential healthcare services.

Out of Gaza's 36 main hospitals, only 10 remain partially functional.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, resulting in the death of over 1,100 people in southern Israel and around 250 hostages, with about 130 still being held in Gaza, according to different reports.

Israel has been heavily bombing the Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of at least 33,137 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

The World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has urged for immediate action as famine, disease outbreaks, and trauma injuries increase in Gaza.

He called for the protection of health facilities and humanitarian workers, unimpeded access of humanitarian aid, and a ceasefire.