The question "Why did Israel withdraw from Al-Shifa?" is a bit ambiguous. It could be referring to two different events:
1. The 2002 bombing of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza:
- Background: This incident occurred during the Second Intifada, a period of intense conflict between Israel and Palestinians. Israel claimed that the hospital was being used by Hamas militants to store weapons, while Palestinian officials and international observers disputed this claim.
- Israel's Justification: Israel claimed that the bombing was a legitimate military target, citing the presence of weapons and militants within the hospital.
- International Response: The bombing was widely condemned internationally, with many countries questioning the legitimacy of the attack. The World Health Organization (WHO) investigated the incident and concluded that there was no evidence of weapons storage within the hospital.
- Consequences: The bombing of Al-Shifa Hospital further inflamed tensions between Israel and Palestinians and fueled accusations of war crimes against Israel.
2. The Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in 2005:
- Background: In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew its military and civilian settlements from the Gaza Strip, ending a 38-year occupation. This decision was highly controversial, with both supporters and critics within Israel and internationally.
- Israel's Justification: The withdrawal was driven by several factors, including the high cost of maintaining the settlements, the desire to reduce friction with Palestinians, and the hope that it would lead to a lasting peace agreement.
- Consequences: The withdrawal led to a complex situation in Gaza, with Hamas eventually seizing control of the territory. The Israeli government has since imposed a blockade on Gaza, citing security concerns.
In summary: The question "Why did Israel withdraw from Al-Shifa?" requires clarification. It could refer to either the 2002 bombing of Al-Shifa Hospital, which was a military operation, or the 2005 withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, which was a strategic decision. Both events were highly controversial and have had lasting impacts on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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