Live updates | Biden says Gaza’s largest hospital ‘must be protected’ as thousands flee the fighting

As of the latest update, Shifa hospital in Gaza is facing dire conditions. It has been without electricity and water for three days, and the hospital is not functioning as it should. There have been reports of gunfire and bombings outside the hospital compound, making the situation even more challenging. Thousands have fled from the hospital, but hundreds, including babies, remain trapped due to the ongoing fighting.

The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in the Israel-Hamas conflict. U.S. President Joe Biden has called for the protection of Shifa hospital and urged for less intrusive actions by Israeli forces. Bernie Sanders, a U.S. senator, met with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and emphasized the need for immediate humanitarian action to prevent further casualties. The European Union has condemned Hamas for using hospitals and civilians as human shields while calling for restraint in targeting to avoid civilian casualties.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with critical shortages of fuel, medical supplies, and access issues for aid deliveries. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) is struggling due to the lack of fuel, and hospitals are facing severe challenges in providing care. The international community is pushing for humanitarian pauses to provide aid, but a comprehensive ceasefire has not been agreed upon.

Clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces along the Lebanon-Israel border continue to intensify. Hezbollah has fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli troops, leading to Israeli airstrikes in response. Efforts are being made to prevent these clashes from escalating into a wider war, with the Lebanese government and international community closely monitoring the situation.

Many displaced Palestinians and some medical patients have left Gaza’s largest hospital, Shifa. However, a significant number of patients, healthcare workers, and displaced people are still within the hospital compound. Evacuation efforts are underway, with the need for equipped ambulances to transport patients to Egyptian hospitals. Additionally, other hospitals in Gaza are also facing challenges due to fuel shortages, necessitating evacuation plans.

UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, has been forced to scale back its operations in Gaza due to the lack of fuel. The agency’s guesthouse in Rafah was struck by Israel’s navy, causing significant damage. UNRWA is calling for the immediate entry of fuel to continue its operations and provide aid to those in need.

Sewage overflow in Gaza streets is becoming a health and environmental disaster due to the lack of electricity. Municipal officials in Gaza are struggling to manage this crisis, with waste accumulating in the streets, posing a risk of disease outbreaks. The situation highlights the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and infrastructure repair in the region.