Washington, DC, November 14, 2023 — US President Joe Biden has voiced his concern for hospitals in Gaza following Israeli allegations that Hamas is using them as command centers for coordinating attacks. Earlier on Monday, a US official with knowledge of American intelligence seconded the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) claims that Hamas has a command node beneath the Al-Shifa hospital.
The IDF spokesperson, commenting two weeks ago, stated that when medical facilities are used for terror purposes, they may lose their protection from attack under international law, hinting that such hospitals could be potential targets.
President Biden, addressing the situation on Monday, expressed his worry about the impact on hospitals in the enclave. He conveyed, "I have not been reluctant in expressing my concern with what's going on, and it’s my hope and expectation that there will be less intrusive action relative to the hospitals; we’re in contact with the Israelis." Biden added that efforts are underway to negotiate the release of prisoners during this pause in hostilities, and he emphasized the need to protect hospitals.
Over the weekend, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, reported that hostilities around Al-Shifa Hospital have not ceased, hindering evacuations and making ambulance journeys too dangerous. A freelance journalist highlighted the dire situation, describing medics working by candlelight, rationed food, and dwindling resources.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview with CNN, stated that there is "no reason" patients cannot be evacuated from Al-Shifa. Although Israel opened an evacuation corridor on Sunday, the International Committee of the Red Cross reported that no one utilized it. The hospital director cited fear as the primary reason people are hesitant to step outside.
As tensions persist in the region, the international community closely monitors developments, with a focus on balancing security concerns and ensuring the safety of civilians and medical facilities.
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