Steve HermanAP: Hamas-run Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip says at least 500 people have been killed in an explosion that it says was caused by an Israeli airstrike.
Harsh condemnation of the attack on a hospital in Gaza also being issued by Iran, Jordan and Turkey. There is no on-the-record reaction yet from officials in Israel to Hamas officials saying the explosion was caused by a direct hit from an Israeli airstrike.
AP, citing Palestinian officials, says President Abbas has canceled his planned meeting in Jordan with President Biden.
Media reports say the summit with President Biden in Jordan with King Abdullah II, Egyptian President al-Sisi and Palestinian Authority President Abbas is canceled. Biden en route Joint Base Andrews to board Air Force One for the flight to Israel.
The cancellation of the summit in Amman is now confirmed by the foreign minister of Jordan.
"Mr. President, are you still going to Jordan?" travel pool reporters on the tarmac shout as Biden arrives at Joint Base Andrews. He boards Air Force One without responding.
President Biden has been briefed about the “terrible loss of life” at a hospital in Gaza, according to the White House.
TheEJJ 🇨🇦@w7voa a social media account for an army saying “you had one job” about a pure tragedy is just the most heart wrenchingly tasteless thing.
Judith_IP@Judith_IP @w7voa it’s the use of the phrase that is tasteless, not the accuracy of the sentiment.