By Iclal Turan
WASHINGTON (AA) - The US said Tuesday it would support an independent third-party conducting evacuations at hospitals in Gaza.
“We would support an independent third party or respected third party to conduct those evacuations,” said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, adding that Israel would also support the measure.
“We are in conversations with a number of humanitarian organizations and third parties about this very topic,” he said.
The US does not want to see civilians, babies, incubators or other vulnerable populations caught in a cross-fire, he said, as he accused Hamas of using hospitals as a “command post.”
“I would also say that we want there to be safe evacuation for patients in hospitals so they can get out of harm's way,” said Miller.
Israeli strikes have recently targeted the vicinity of Gaza's main hospital, Al-Shifa. The Israeli military alleged that Hamas has an underground command center beneath the hospital -- an accusation categorically denied by the Palestinian group.
Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.
At least 11,240 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 7,800 women and children, with over 29,200 injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.
Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in the Israeli offensive.
The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is nearly 1,200, according to official figures.