courtesy: politico
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The hospitals in Gaza Strip “must be protected,” says President Biden as Israel troops battles to seize control of what it describes as Hamas command complex that lies below the enclave’s main medical facility, Al-Shifa Hospital.
Thousands of people have fled Al-Shifa complex over the weekend, as Israeli military has encircled it. On Monday, the World Health Organisation warned of “dire and perilous” situation for patients. The health organisation said in a statement that Al-Shifa is no longer working as an hospital, as it ran out of water and fuel, risking the lives of patients.
In the Oval Office, when the president was questioned by the reporters on whether has expressed any concerns to Israel, he stated, “My hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals.”
Biden added that U.S. authorities have remained in contact with Israelis to secure ceasefire in the ongoing conflict to allow release of hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups.
Jake Sullivan, national security advisor for the White House, at a briefing shortly afterward said that the United States and Israel “do not want to see firefighters in hospitals.”
The Israeli government has informed the White House and Sullivan that they are prepared to provide fuel to the hospitals, allowing them to continue their operation. In some cases, as per the Israeli authorities, they have not been able to communicate with the hospital administrators.