UN ‘appalled’ over IDF operation at hospital Israel says is used as Hamas command center

The United Nations says it is “appalled” over the IDF operation at a hospital Israel says is used as a Hamas command center, a claim backed by the United States.

“I’m appalled by reports of military raids in Al Shifa hospital in Gaza,” UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths writes on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

“The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns,” he writes. “Hospitals are not battlegrounds.”

I'm appalled by reports of military raids in Al Shifa hospital in #Gaza.

The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns.

Hospitals are not battlegrounds.

— Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) November 15, 2023

Yesterday, the Biden administration confirmed long-held Israeli assertions that Hamas is using medical facilities in Gaza for military purposes.

The IDF has repeatedly denied that Israel has surrounded or besieged the medical center, saying that one entrance remains open and that it is working in conjunction with staff to allow for the safe passage of patients and civilians.

Earlier today, the IDF said it had delivered baby food and medical supplies to Al-Shifa.