In a press conference at the White House on Monday, United States President Joe Biden expressed his concern for the safety of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza as Israeli tanks encircled the medical facility. Biden called on Israel to take "less intrusive action" in the area, emphasizing that hospitals must be protected.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden stated, "My hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals and we remain in contact with the Israelis." He also mentioned ongoing negotiations with the Qataris to secure a pause in the conflict for the release of prisoners. The US President stressed the importance of adequate protection for hospitals amidst escalating violence.

Al-Shifa Hospital has faced repeated targeting by Israeli bombing and snipers, as confirmed by medical staff. Patients and staff remain trapped inside, with witnesses reporting tanks and armored vehicles stationed just meters away from the hospital's gates. The dire situation inside the medical complex involves power outages, a dwindling supply of medical resources, and continuous bombardment, making it increasingly challenging for healthcare providers to care for patients.

Tragically, the number of casualties at Al-Shifa Hospital continues to rise. Palestinian health ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra reported that at least 32 patients, including six premature babies, have died since Friday. Additionally, three nurses have lost their lives at the facility, according to the UN relief agency in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Israel has claimed that Hamas operates a command center beneath the hospital, an allegation vehemently denied by both the armed group and hospital officials. On Monday, Israel's military released a video showcasing a weapons cache purportedly found in a tunnel connected to Rantissi Hospital, a facility for treating children in northern Gaza. The cache allegedly contained grenades, suicide vests, and other explosives. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari emphasized that "Hamas hides in hospitals" during a nightly press conference.

The escalating conflict has led to the suspension of operations at multiple hospitals in Gaza. Al-Shifa, Al-Quds, and Kamal Adwan hospitals have been forced to halt their services due to Israeli bombardment and a scarcity of fuel and medicines. Israel has instructed civilians to evacuate Al-Shifa Hospital, urging medical professionals to transfer patients elsewhere. However, the challenging circumstances prevent some patients, who require wheelchairs or are disabled, from leaving the facility.

Israel has pledged to eliminate Hamas in response to the armed group's attacks on southern Israeli communities on October 7th, which Israeli officials claim caused the deaths of over 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The intensifying Israeli bombardment and ground operation in Gaza have resulted in a devastating death toll. According to the health ministry in the Hamas-governed enclave, at least 11,240 Palestinians, including more than 4,600 children, have lost their lives since then.

The international community continues to call for a de-escalation of the conflict and the protection of civilians, particularly those seeking medical care. As the situation in Gaza remains dire, urgent diplomatic efforts are underway to bring about a ceasefire and alleviate the humanitarian crisis.