Israel claims that Hamas is using civilians in Gaza and, in particular, medical facilities as human shields.
The White House urged Israel to avoid fighting near hospitals in Gaza.
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said this in an interview with CBS News.
“The United States does not want to see shootings in hospitals where innocent people, patients are caught in the crossfire, and we are actively consulting with the Israeli army on this matter,” Sullivan assured.
In turn, Israel claims that Hamas terrorists are using civilians in Gaza, and in particular medical facilities, as human shields. Militants also store weapons and set up headquarters in civilian sites.
“This is a violation of the laws of war,” they add in Israel.
The situation at Al-Shifa Hospital: what is known
The IDF said it was ready to evacuate children from Al-Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, but Palestinian officials say people there are still trapped. Three newborns have died and patients are in danger due to power cuts, water cuts and medicine shortages amid intense fighting near the hospital.
There are hundreds of patients in the hospital, particularly newborns and premature babies, who need to be evacuated from the facility. There is no fuel, electricity, access to drinking water or internet connection. This was stated on CBS air by the head of the international non-governmental organization Doctors Without Borders, Christos Christou.
According to him, there is no plan for evacuating the hospital. This may take weeks to accomplish.
“I don't sense any news about a coordinated effort by the Israeli military to evacuate children and other patients from the hospital. The medical workers were so overworked and exhausted, and now they are in such a state that they can't even offer anything,” he added.
He also confirmed that shots were fired at people trying to leave the hospital. Moreover, airstrikes are being carried out on hospitals.
Thousands of people are seeking refuge from the fighting at Al-Shifa Hospital and other hospitals.
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross website, international humanitarian law protects hospitals in times of war, but medical facilities may lose such protection if they are used as a base for attack, weapons storage or shelter for combatants.
Meanwhile, the head of Al-Nasr Hospital and Al-Rantisi Pediatric Hospital in northern Gaza, Mustafa al-Kahlut, previously reported that they were surrounded. He asked the Red Cross to help with the evacuation.
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