The Photo Is Not From the Attack on Al-Shifa Hospital
The Claim
A Photo shows the Attack on Al-Shifa Hospital.
Emerging story
Recently, a viral photo circulating on social media purportedly depicts Al-Shifa Hospital engulfed in flames from the recent Israeli air raids.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating image and found the claim to be misleading.
Misbar's team found that the photo dates back to May 2021 when the Israeli Air Force launched dozens of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.
From May 10 to May 21, 2021, the Gaza Strip endured intense Israeli forces attacks, resulting in 260 Palestinian being killed, including 66 children and 41 women, according to ReliefWeb, a humanitarian information service provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The also added, 113,000 people had to seek shelter outside of their homes, and significant damage was inflicted on residential buildings, key facilities, and infrastructure.
Concerns Raised by WHO Director-General Regarding Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on X that the situation at Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza is deeply concerning, emphasizing that hospitals should never be turned into battlegrounds. He expressed worries about the safety of health workers, patients, and civilians due to ongoing hostilities. The hospital, having recently restored minimal health services, faces significant risks from any form of hostility or militarization, which could disrupt vital health services, ambulance access, and the delivery of life-saving supplies. Tedros stressed the importance of protecting hospitals and called for an immediate ceasefire.
The Abuse Against Palestinian Medical Staff in Gaza
Palestinian medical personnel in Gaza recounted to the BBC instances of severe mistreatment by Israeli forces following a raid on their hospital last month. Ahmed Abu Sabha, a doctor at Nasser Hospital, detailed being blindfolded, detained, and subjected to strip searches and physical assault during a week-long detention. He reported being attacked by muzzled dogs and having his hand broken by an Israeli soldier. Similar experiences were described by two other medics. They disclosed being subjected to humiliation, physical violence, cold water dousing, and prolonged kneeling during detention lasting several days before eventual release.
They reported that numerous patients had perished due to the hospital's inadequate conditions, which included shortages of electricity, water, and other crucial necessities essential for the functioning of Nasser Hospital. A specialist in humanitarian law expressed profound concern regarding the footage and the accounts provided by the medical staff interviewed by the BBC.
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