Israel demands the removal of inhabitants from the biggest medical facility located in southern Gaza.

According to Palestinians, Israeli forces have ordered thousands of displaced people to evacuate Nasser Medical Complex, the largest hospital in the south of the Gaza Strip. Videos have shown an announcement via loudspeaker and a crowd leaving the hospital. The Israeli military stated that it had opened a secure route for civilians, but did not intend to evacuate patients and medics. However, doctors and health officials claim that a number of people have been killed by Israeli sniper fire in recent days. The hospital has been under siege for about a week and is only minimally functional. The Israeli military has accused Hamas fighters of operating from inside and around the hospital, a claim that Hamas and medical officials deny. The focus of Israel's invasion of the south of Gaza has been Khan Younis, which began in early December after troops gained control of Hamas strongholds in the north. Gaza's health ministry reports that more than 28,500 people have been killed in the territory since then, including at least 103 in the past 24 hours. The Israeli military denies intentionally targeting civilians. The UN reports that only 11 of Gaza's 33 hospitals are partially functioning and are overwhelmed by casualties. Additionally, the hospitals are serving as shelters for thousands of displaced people who have fled from their homes. The lack of food, water, and sanitation in Rafah, where the majority of those displaced are now living, is of great concern. The UN's humanitarian chief warns that if Israel sends ground forces into Rafah, it would be impossible to run effective humanitarian operations or protect civilians. Negotiations are taking place in Cairo to secure a new temporary ceasefire deal. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas urges Hamas to reach a ceasefire quickly to avoid another catastrophic event.