United States: United States President Mr. Joe Biden has stated that Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital “must be protected” as Israeli tanks surround the facility. The hospital accommodates hundreds of patients and staff.
Mr. Biden commented that he hoped to see Israel take “less intrusive action” at the largest hospital in Gaza, which has been repeatedly targeted by Israeli bombing and snipers.
“My hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals and that we remain in contact with the Israelis. Also, there is an effort to get this pause to deal with the release of prisoners, and that’s being negotiated, as well, with the Qataris being engaged,” the US President added.
Mr. Biden’s statements came as medical staff warned of mounting casualties in the hospital, including newborn babies.
Israel has claimed that Hamas is operating a command centre under the hospital, which the armed group and hospital officials have denied.
According to Palestinian Health Ministry spokesperson Mr. Ashraf al-Qudra, at least 32 patients, including six premature babies, have died at the hospital since November 10. Three nurses have also been killed at the facility, the UN relief agency in the occupied Palestinian territory confirmed.
Israel has pledged to “eliminate” Hamas in response to the armed group’s October 7 attacks on southern Israeli communities, which Israeli officials say killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s bombardment and ground operations in the enclave have killed at least 11,240 Palestinians, including more than 4,600 children.
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