U.S. Says Hamas Endangers Civilians After Nasser Hospital Strike

The U.S. State Department said Hamas was endangering civilians and delaying its commitment to disarm, in a response disclosed on November 15 following Israel’s strike at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Washington said Israel was seeking to limit casualties while operating under difficult conditions created by Hamas. “Hamas bears responsibility for delaying its commitment to disarm and for deliberately endangering civilians,” the Department said. It said Hamas had repeatedly used hospitals and other civilian sites to shelter its operatives. The Department called on all parties to fulfill their commitments to implement President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan. The United Arab Emirates took a different position on the strike. In a November 14 statement, its Foreign Ministry condemned the targeting of Nasser Medical Complex and described it as a violation of international humanitarian law. It called for protection of civilians, medical facilities and healthcare workers, as well as immediate, safe and unhindered deliveries of humanitarian and medical aid to Gaza. In their November 12 announcement, the IDF and Shin Bet said their overnight strike targeted Muhammad Abu Ismail, commander of Hamas’s Khan Younis Brigade. They said he had directed attacks against Israeli troops and civilians and was responsible for holding numerous hostages. The agencies said terrorists had turned the hospital compound into a headquarters for planning attacks and rebuilding the brigade. They said advance warnings, precision munitions and aerial surveillance were used to reduce harm to civilians.