Israel is facing increasing international pressure, including from the United States, to better protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The death toll is rising, and there is intensified fighting near hospitals. According to Gaza health officials, over 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in the past five weeks. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern for the civilians caught in the crossfire, stating that “far too many Palestinians have been killed.” However, he also reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s campaign against terrorism. French President Emmanuel Macron called on Israel to stop bombing Gaza and killing civilians while condemning the actions of Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argued that world leaders should be condemning Hamas instead of Israel. Saudi Arabia will host an extraordinary joint Islamic-Arab summit in response to the situation in Gaza.
Hospitals in Gaza City are being hit by explosions and gunfire as fighting intensifies. The director of Al Shifa hospital accused Israel of launching a war on Gaza City hospitals. At least 25 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Al-Buraq school, which was serving as a shelter for those whose homes had been destroyed. Missiles also landed in the courtyard of Al Shifa hospital and damaged the Indonesian Hospital and Nasser Rantissi pediatric cancer hospital. Israel’s military claimed that a misfired projectile from Gaza had hit Shifa hospital. The hospitals, filled with displaced people, patients, and medical staff, are located in northern Gaza, where Hamas militants are concentrated. Israel argued that Hamas hides weapons in tunnels under hospitals, a charge that Hamas denies. The World Health Organization reported that health workers at Shifa hospital had been forced to leave in search of safety.
The Gaza health ministry reported that Shifa hospital buildings have been bombed five times, resulting in one Palestinian death and several injuries. Videos verified by RushHourDaily showed scenes of panic and bloodshed. Israeli tanks have positioned themselves around Nasser Rantissi hospital and Al-Quds hospital. The Palestinian Red Cross stated that Israeli forces were shooting at Al-Quds hospital, leading to violent clashes and casualties. Israel’s army spokesperson emphasized that they do not fire on hospitals but will respond if Hamas terrorists use them as cover. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador announced the establishment of hospitals in southern Gaza and the relocation of 1.1 million people ahead of the ground invasion. Palestinian officials reported that 11,078 Gaza residents have been killed since October 7, while Israel’s Foreign Ministry revised its death toll to around 1,200, mostly civilians, from the Hamas attack on October 7. Israel also reported 39 soldier deaths since October 7.
