Anushka Patil

The Israeli troops left destruction in and around the hospital complex after a two-week battle with what it said were Palestinian militants.

The top diplomats from Britain and Germany were in Jerusalem, working to persuade Israel to avoid a response to Iran that could drag the region into a broader war.

The measures were announced as Israel’s allies try to punish Tehran without fueling a wider Middle East war.

The 15-member council is scheduled to vote later Thursday on whether to recommend that Palestine receive full U.N. membership, which would effectively recognize its statehood.

The move blocked a resolution to support a status that Palestinians have long sought at the United Nations, where it is considered a “nonmember observer state.”

Israel has said it plans to target Hamas fighters in Rafah, where a million civilians have sought shelter, an invasion the U.S. has warned against.

The U.S. Senate approved a package that includes $26 billion in aid for Israel and for civilians in conflict zones, including Gaza, over objections from some Democrats opposed to Israel’s military campaign.

The package includes billions of dollars in unconditional military assistance to the country. President Biden said it also allows for a “surge” in humanitarian aid for Gaza.

The package includes billions of dollars in unconditional military assistance to the country. President Biden said it also allows for a “surge” in humanitarian aid for Gaza.

Defense Department officials said the structure, which is expected to be completed in early May, could help relief workers deliver as many as two million meals a day.