Hospitals in Gaza 'must be protected,' says US president

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden on Monday said that Gaza's main Al-Shifa Hospital "must be protected," and that he hopes for "less intrusive action" by Israel.

"Well, as we know, I have not been reluctant expressing my concerns with what's going on. My hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals and we remain in contact with the Israelis," Biden said at the Oval Office.

"So I remain somewhat hopeful but hospitals must be protected," he added.

Since last week, the very vicinity of the hospital came under Israeli heavy airstrikes including several airstrikes within the Al-Shifa Hospital compound itself.

The Israeli army alleged that the hospital is used by the Hamas group for an underneath military base, an accusation categorically denied by the Hamas group.

As the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip entered its 38th day, at least 11,180 Palestinians have been killed, including over 7,700 children and women, and more than 28,200 others have been injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel's relentless air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave since last month.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is nearly 1,200, according to official figures.