US president expresses concern for trapped patients and staff at Al-Shifa Hospital
United States President Joe Biden has emphasized the importance of protecting Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, as the facility remains surrounded by Israeli tanks with hundreds of patients and staff inside.
During a press briefing at the White House, Biden conveyed his hope for Israel to take “less intrusive action” at the hospital, which has been the target of repeated Israeli bombing and snipers, according to medical staff.
“My hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals and we remain in contact with the Israelis,” Biden stated.
Biden also discussed efforts to negotiate the release of prisoners and emphasized the need to protect hospitals, adding, “So I remain somewhat hopeful but hospitals must be protected.”
Amid mounting casualties among patients, including newborns, at Al-Shifa Hospital, Biden’s comments come as a call for action following the encirclement of the facility by Israeli forces.
Witness reports have detailed tanks and armored vehicles positioned near the hospital gate, exacerbating the challenges faced by medical staff due to power outages, dwindling supplies, and continuous Israeli bombardment.
Hospital officials confirmed that at least 32 patients, including premature babies, have died since Friday, with three nurses also losing their lives. These tragic developments have further highlighted the urgent need for hospital protection.
Conflict has intensified as Israel has alleged that Hamas operates a command center under the hospital, a claim denied by the armed group and hospital officials. Israel has also reported discovering a weapons cache connected to another hospital in northern Gaza.
As a result of Israeli bombardment and diminishing supplies, several hospitals, including Al-Shifa, have suspended operations. Israel has urged civilians to leave Al-Shifa and directed medics to transfer patients elsewhere.
Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reported on Israeli military demands for patients to exit the hospital, describing the challenges faced by disabled individuals and those in need of wheelchairs.
The conflict has escalated further, with Israel committing to eliminate Hamas following attacks on southern Israeli communities, resulting in significant civilian casualties.
The ongoing bombardment and ground operations in Gaza have led to a devastating toll, with thousands of Palestinian lives lost, including a substantial number of children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-governed enclave.
