In his first comments since the weekend’s events, including patient deaths reported at Al Shifa, US President Joe Biden has said hospitals must be protected.

“My hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals and we remain in contact with the Israelis,” Biden told reporters at the White House on Monday.

“Also there is an effort to get this pause to deal with the release of prisoners and that’s being negotiated, as well, with the Qataris … being engaged,” he added.

“So I remain somewhat hopeful but hospitals must be protected.”