US President Joe Biden touched down in Israel on Wednesday for a diplomatic scramble to prevent the war with Hamas from spiralling into an even larger conflict. Biden's visit to Tel Aviv comes on the heels of a devastating explosion at the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City which led to the killing of at least 500 people, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.

 

The hospital explosion has disrupted Biden's travel plans, as he was set to meet with King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss a humanitarian response during the Jordan leg of his visit. However, the summit and the Jordan segment of the trip were postponed, with the White House citing a period of mourning announced by Abbas as the reason for the delay.

ALSO READ: Gaza Hospital Attack: World Shocked At 'Brutal Massacre'; Iran, Turkey, Other Nations Strongly Condemn Civilian Deaths

Situated in central Gaza and administered by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital was hit during a period when it was crowded with thousands of Palestinians seeking refuge amid a series of intense Israeli air attacks across the besieged Gaza Strip.

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The health ministry in Gaza said the blast was carried out by Israeli forces which claimed the lives of at least 500 people, whereas Israel said, the explosion occurred due to the misfired rocket launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) armed group. The PIJ denied the allegations.

ALSO READ: 'Have Copy Of Deleted Tweet': Palestinian Envoy Reacts After Netanyahu Blames 'Islamic Jihad' For Gaza Hospital Attack

The blast at the Gaza hospital has added further complexity to President Biden's already challenging diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, particularly in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and navigating the complex regional dynamics.


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