Biden urges protection of hospital housing Hamas command center, following U.S. official’s confirmation.
US Official Confirms Hamas Command Headquarters Underneath Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza
In a shocking revelation, it has been confirmed that Hamas, the militant group, has established a command center beneath the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. This information, reported by CNN, comes as no surprise to many who have suspected such activities.
Interestingly, while this news broke, President Biden made a statement emphasizing the need to protect the hospital. He expressed his concern for the safety of the medical facility, despite the knowledge of its association with Hamas.
According to CNN’s report, a US official with access to American intelligence revealed that Hamas utilizes the hospital’s resources and its fighters frequently gather in and around the premises. However, both Hamas and hospital officials have denied these allegations.
Hamas’ Use of Civilian Facilities for Military Purposes
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan highlighted the historical pattern of Hamas using civilian facilities, including hospitals, for command-and-control operations, weapon storage, and housing their fighters. While he did not specifically address the Al-Shifa hospital, Sullivan’s remarks shed light on Hamas’ tactics in this conflict.
Despite the confirmation of Hamas’ presence under the hospital, President Biden, in a separate statement, expressed his hope for less intrusive actions against the medical facility. He stressed the importance of protecting the hospital, even in the face of this revelation.
Literally an hour apart
1:30pm: U.S. Intel confirms Hamas has command node under Al-Shifa Hospital
2:30pm: Biden says Al-Shifa Hospital “must be protected,” urges less intrusive action against Hamas pic.twitter.com/HxrSRfBoNm
— John Hasson (@SonofHas) November 13, 2023
Israel’s military operation in Gaza, aimed at eradicating Hamas, stems from the horrific attack on October 7th. During this attack, Hamas terrorists mercilessly killed 1,400 Israelis, marking one of the deadliest massacres of Jews in a single day since the Holocaust.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview on “CNN’s State of the Union,” emphasized the efforts made to evacuate patients from the Al-Shifa hospital. He called for the establishment of field hospitals to ensure the safety of civilians. Netanyahu highlighted the grave threat posed by Hamas, using the hospital as a command center for terrorism, launching rockets, and constructing terror tunnels.
Imagine if the United States faced a series of devastating attacks, equivalent to 20 9/11s, resulting in the deaths of 50,000 Americans and the hostage-taking of 10,000 individuals, including innocent babies, elderly, women, and children. This is the reality Israel is facing, with constant rocket attacks on its cities. In such a scenario, any nation would use its full force to combat these killers. Even if they hide in hospitals, schools, or U.N. facilities, the priority would be to protect civilians while not granting immunity to terrorists.
What are the risks and consequences of using civilian facilities like hospitals for military purposes?
Stated that it is vital to protect the innocent civilians, patients, and medical staff who rely on the hospital for their wellbeing.
The use of civilian facilities for military purposes is a violation of international humanitarian law. The deliberate placement of command centers and fighters within hospitals puts innocent lives at risk and undermines the integrity of these institutions. It becomes a challenging task for military forces to neutralize these threats without causing harm to civilians or damaging critical infrastructure.
International Response and Obligations
The international community has a responsibility to address this alarming revelation and hold Hamas accountable for its actions. The use of hospitals for military purposes not only endangers lives but also undermines the trust and impartiality that healthcare institutions strive to maintain. All parties involved in conflicts must ensure the protection of medical facilities, patients, and healthcare workers as an essential aspect of humanitarian law.
It is crucial that investigations are conducted to determine the extent of Hamas’ presence within the Al-Shifa hospital and other civilian facilities. Such investigations should be carried out by impartial bodies to ensure transparency and credibility. International organizations, including the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, should play an active role in monitoring and documenting any violations of international law.
The United States, as a prominent global power and a staunch supporter of international law, should take the lead in urging Hamas to cease using civilian facilities for military purposes. President Biden’s statement expressing concern for the safety of the hospital is a step in the right direction. However, more action is needed to address this issue effectively and protect innocent civilians.
Protecting the Right to Healthcare
The protection and neutrality of healthcare facilities are vital to ensure the right to healthcare for everyone, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or political affiliation. Patients and healthcare providers should be able to access medical services without fear of being caught in the crossfire of armed conflicts. The presence of armed groups within healthcare institutions not only jeopardizes the lives of those seeking medical assistance but also disrupts the functioning of these facilities, leaving countless individuals without the care they desperately need.
In conclusion, the confirmation of Hamas’ command headquarters beneath the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza is a grave violation of international humanitarian law. It highlights the pattern of using civilian facilities for military purposes, endangering innocent lives and compromising the integrity of healthcare institutions. It is crucial for the international community, led by the United States, to address this issue decisively and hold Hamas accountable. Protecting the neutrality and integrity of healthcare facilities is essential to ensure the right to healthcare for all and to maintain the trust and impartiality of these institutions in times of conflict.
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