I understand the concerns that have been raised about the situation at the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. 

Israel is facing an enemy which has enmeshed itself amidst civilian infrastructure, and is using the people of Gaza as human shields. However, as Israel carries out its military operation, the UK is clear that it must adhere to international humanitarian law and take every possible measure to minimise harm to civilians. This includes respecting the sanctity of hospitals. 

The suffering currently being experienced at the al-Shifa hospital is difficult to comprehend; it is tragic that innocent people, including young children and babies, have lost their lives there as a result of the lack of electricity. I welcome the news that a first group of premature babies evacuated from al-Shifa by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in co-ordination with UN agencies have now arrived in Egypt for treatment.

The acute situation at al-Shifa further highlights the urgent need to get more aid into Gaza, and I welcome all that the UK is doing to this end.