The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with significant developments on multiple fronts. The World Health Organization is currently exploring ways to evacuate patients from al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, the largest in the region. The hospital has been a focal point of the conflict, with the Israeli military conducting raids on the premises. The Palestinian Red Crescent, responsible for medical aid in the region, is facing challenges due to insufficient fuel for its ambulances to evacuate patients.
In response to the crisis, Egypt has expressed willingness to send its ambulances into Gaza to assist in evacuations, provided security guarantees and safe passage can be ensured. This comes amidst reports of Jordanian medical personnel in Gaza being wounded in an attack near their field hospital, a situation that has drawn concern from the US.
Meanwhile, negotiations are underway for a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. The proposed agreement, being negotiated by Qatari, Egyptian, and American officials, involves the release of 50 women and children abducted during the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks for a similar number of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. The deal would also include a temporary cessation of hostilities.
The conflict has sparked international reactions, with protests in Washington D.C. calling for a ceasefire. President Biden has accused Hamas of committing a war crime by operating a command node under Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. The EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has urged Israel not to be 'consumed by rage' in its retaliation for the Hamas terror attacks.
In a separate development, the Israeli military has also conducted a raid on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of supporting terrorist factions.