Caught in the Crossfire

The White House addresses fighting outside Gaza hospitals. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( November 13, 2023 As the Israel-Hamas war enters its 38th day, the World Health Organization warns of a ["dire and perilous" situation]( in Gaza's hospitals. We've got the latest, below. As always, thank you for waking up with us.   In the News [Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza]( Outside the emergency ward of the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. (Getty Images) Crisis Continues Fighting between Israel and Hamas is raging just outside of Gaza’s largest hospital, where operating rooms are reportedly no longer able to function. [Here’s what we know:]( What’s happening? The World Health Organization said it lost communication with contacts inside Al-Shifa Hospital as power outages were reported on Saturday. “Surgeries have had to stop,” the hospital’s director told the New York Times. "A baby has died because of lack of oxygen and electricity and heat.” Why are hospitals being targeted? Israel claims that Hamas is using Gaza’s hospitals to shield its military operations. An IDF spokesman said the "ultimate goal" is for Hamas militants to "surrender while we’re in the vicinity of the hospital.” Hamas says the claim is false, and has denied accusations of preventing vital resources from reaching hospitals. What does the U.S. say? White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told ABC that Hamas has a track record of using such institutions as weapons stores and command centers, and civilians as "human shields." He added that “the United States does not want to see firefights in hospitals, where innocent people, patients receiving medical care, are caught in the crossfire.” We’re taking a closer look at the crisis — and [the international community’s response.]( [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fal-shifa-hospital-israel-hamas-war%2F   More Stories [Tim Scott in profile]( Getty Images Surprise exit: Sen. Tim Scott has suspended his presidential campaign. “I love America more today than I did on May 22. But when I go back to Iowa, it will not be as a presidential candidate," he told FOX News on Sunday night. Scott's exit reportedly surprised aides and donors, though there were doubts he'd qualify for the fourth GOP debate next month. 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