Israel Defense Forces (IDF) engaged in a firefight with Hamas militants near the Al-Quds hospital in Gaza City on Monday, resulting in the deaths of 21 militants. The clashes around medical facilities have escalated in recent days, raising concerns about the safety of civilians and the adherence to the laws of war.

According to the IDF, Hamas fighters had embedded themselves among civilians at the Al-Quds hospital and fired at Israeli soldiers from the entrance of the facility. The militants used rocket-propelled grenade launchers, causing damage to an Israeli tank. In response, IDF soldiers returned fire, with no reported injuries among the Israeli forces.

The IDF condemned the incident, stating that it was another example of Hamas' exploitation of civilian structures, including hospitals, to carry out attacks. The military shared video footage that purportedly showed a fighter carrying a launcher near the hospital entrance.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed his concerns about the situation, emphasizing that the United States has urged Israel not to engage in firefights inside Gaza hospitals. The safety of innocent patients receiving medical care must be prioritized, Sullivan asserted.

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals as cover for their bases and operations, a charge that the Palestinian militant group strongly denies. The IDF has specifically targeted al-Shifa, one of the largest medical facilities in Gaza, which they claim serves as Hamas' main base of operations.

The fighting near medical facilities has raised major concerns about the laws of war. While hospitals are traditionally considered off-limits during conflicts, their special protection can be compromised if they are used for harmful acts. The International Committee of the Red Cross has emphasized the need to respect the sanctity of hospitals and the safeguarding of the rights of patients and healthcare workers.

The World Health Organization Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed his alarm at the situation, stating that hospitals in Gaza are struggling to provide essential services such as electricity, water, and food. He called for an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the dire circumstances and prevent further loss of life.

In response to the urgent situation, Israel provided 300 liters of fuel to support the al-Shifa hospital. However, Israel later claimed that Hamas intercepted the fuel, preventing its delivery. The IDF has also established evacuation corridors around the Shifa, Rantisi, and Nasser hospitals.

Humanitarian organizations have voiced deep concern about the worsening situation in Gaza. Bob Kitchen, the vice president of emergencies at the International Rescue Committee, emphasized the need to preserve the protection and functioning of hospitals and ensure the safety of civilians who have nowhere safe to flee.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has its roots in a deadly attack on October 7, which claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis. Israel justifies its actions as a necessary response to eliminate Hamas, accusing the group of hiding in hospitals and using civilians as shields.

As the fighting continues, the international community remains deeply concerned about the escalating violence and its impact on innocent civilians. Efforts to secure a ceasefire and ensure the safety and well-being of civilians, particularly those within medical facilities, are paramount in this critical situation.