Israel-Hamas War: Fighting Continues Near Al-Shifa Hospital

Fighting around al-Shifa hospital in northern Gaza intensifies

Germany announces increase in aid to Palestinian Territories

Pro-Palestinian protesters march on Armistice Day

Fighting around Al-Shifa hospital intensifies

In recent days, fighting near the Al-Shifa hospital in northern Gaza has intensified and supplies have run out.

Israeli authorities claim that Hamas has established command posts underneath the hospital and other health facilities. Hamas and Al-Shifa staff deny the existence of the tunnels.

Al-Shifa hospital director Mohammed Abu Selmia was cited by the Associated Press as saying that the facility lost power on Saturday.

Spokesmen for the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip said six patients died at the hospital after the generator was shut down.

Israel's military confirmed clashes outside the hospital, but army spokesman Daniel Hagari denied Al-Shifa was under siege.

He said troops would on Sunday assist in moving babies treated there and said "we are speaking directly and regularly" with hospital staff.

sdi/msh (AP, AFP, dpa, Reuters)

Pro-Palestinian protesters march in Europe, US

More than 300,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through central London in an event coinciding with Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of World War I.

Police said they had arrested 126 people as they sought to stop far-right counter protesters from ambushing main rally.

Officer Matt Twist said that small groups broke away from the main rally, and about 150 people wearing face coverings had fired fireworks which struck officers in their faces.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned "Hamas sympathizers" who he accused of "singing antisemitic chants and brandishing pro-Hamas signs and clothing on today's protest."

Previously, Interior Minister Suella Braverman had called pro-Palestinian protests "hate marches" led by "mobs."

London's Metropolitan Police refused ministerial requests to block the event, saying they did not have indication there would be serious violence.

Meanwhile, in the US, hundreds of protesters demonstrated near President Joe Biden's house in Wilmington, Delaware.

In Brussels, around 21,000 people took party in a pro-Palestinian rally on Saturday, and in Paris, 16,000 people attended demonstrations that were accompanied by left-wing lawmakers.

Germany announces €38 million in aid for Palestinian Territories

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has announced Berlin will increase its humanitarian aid for the Palestinian territories by €38 million (roughly $40 million).

Baerbock made the announcement during her diplomatic tour of the Middle East and after she spoke with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

Germany will provide a total of €160 million for the Palestinian territories this year.

"Every life is worth the same. And every person in Israel and every person in Palestine has a right to live in peace and security," Baerbock said.

She said that humanitarian pauses in the Gaza Strip "must be expanded further."

In his statement following the talks with Baerbock, Shtayyeh urged Berlin to call for an end to the war in Gaza.

Germany must "take a position on Israeli war crimes in the Gaza Strip that is in line with international human rights law," he said.

"Not calling for an end to the war, supporting Israel with weapons, encourages it to continue its aggression against our people in Gaza," he said.

On Saturday evening, Baerbock met with Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen in Tel Aviv.

Following the meeting, she said: "International humanitarian law recognizes civilian casualties. However, it also contains clear guidelines," which includes "both the requirement to protect the civilian population and the distinction between civilian and military targets."

She said that how Israel proceeds in the Gaza Strip will also affect Israel's long-term security.

Cohen said that it was important to stop Hamas' sources of funding in Europe and elsewhere.

"Israel will continue to fight Hamas until it is no longer a threat," said Cohen after speaking with Baerbock.

"Germany has stood by Israel's side since October 7, expressing its commitment to Israel's security and its support for its right to self-defense."

Source: DW