Israel-Hamas war live updates: WHO loses contact with Gaza's main hospital
NBCNOV 2023
Gaza's Largest Hospital Evacuated, IDF Denies Role
Image copyright: Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images News [via Getty Images]
The Spin
Pro-Palestine narrative
It's forbidden to turn civilian hospitals into a conflict zone or target a health facility treating the wounded. While Israel claims that al-Shifa Hospital serves as a key command center for Hamas, it has so far offered little concrete evidence. But even if Tel Aviv's claims actually held any weight, it has a duty under international law to prevent unnecessary harm to civilians. These horrendous human rights violations must end.
Pro-Israel narrative
It's illegal to use civilian populations, the sick or the injured, as human shields. Al-Shifa Hospital is a prime example of how Hamas militants hide behind civilians inside medical compounds to provoke outrage if they are attacked. Though it will continue to avoid civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip as much as tactically possible, Israel has the right to defend itself and will do everything in its strength to neutralize Hamas.