In a recent development, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has conveyed to Israel the importance of avoiding armed combat near hospitals in Gaza. The United States has expressed concern over innocent people, particularly patients receiving medical care, getting caught in the crossfire.

During an interview on Sunday's episode of "Face the Nation," Sullivan highlighted the active consultations that have taken place between the United States and the Israeli Defense Forces on this matter. The U.S. government firmly opposes the occurrence of firefights in hospitals and aims to protect the lives of those seeking medical treatment.

The conflict between Hamas and Israel has taken a detrimental toll on hospitals in Gaza. Israel claims that Hamas is using medical facilities as shields, while Hamas denies these allegations. Israel specifically states that a command center for Hamas lies beneath Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, which Hamas vehemently denies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that it has lost communication with its contacts inside Al-Shifa Hospital, raising concerns about the well-being of its patients and medical staff.

Sullivan refrained from confirming the accuracy of Israel's assertion due to the need to protect intelligence, but he emphasized that Hamas has a history of using hospitals and other civilian facilities for its command centers, weapon storage, and housing fighters.

International humanitarian law safeguards hospitals during times of war. However, when medical facilities are used to launch attacks, store weapons, or shelter combatants, they can lose their protected status, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

One particularly affected hospital is Al-Shifa Hospital, which currently houses hundreds of patients, including newborns and premature babies. The dire situation at the hospital is worsened by the lack of fuel, electricity, access to drinkable water, and internet connection. Christos Christou, the international president of Doctors Without Borders, highlighted the overwhelming exhaustion of health workers who are currently unable to provide adequate care to those in need.

Speaking on "Face the Nation," Christou expressed urgency in evacuating the hospital, stating that such an endeavor would take weeks. Moreover, reports have emerged of individuals attempting to leave the hospital being shot down, exacerbating an already challenging situation. Airstrikes have also been reported in hospitals.

In addition to the focus on hospitals, Sullivan also emphasized the efforts of the United States to assist Americans seeking to evacuate Gaza. Approximately 400 Americans are currently stuck in Gaza, according to the State Department. Sullivan stated that the U.S. is working towards ensuring safe passage for all Americans and their family members who wish to leave, with the gate currently open for evacuation.

As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, international concerns regarding the targeting of hospitals and the plight of innocent civilians have grown. The United States, along with other global entities, advocates for the protection of hospitals and the well-being of all those affected by the ongoing violence.