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The White House declared on Tuesday that it possesses intelligence indicating that Hamas is utilizing Gaza's largest hospital, Al Shifa, for its military operations and likely as a weapons storage facility. The administration labeled these actions as constituting a war crime.

National security spokesperson John Kirby, speaking aboard Air Force One, stated, "We have information that confirms that Hamas is using that particular hospital for a command and control mode" and probably for weapon storage, emphasizing that such actions are considered war crimes.

The United States alleges that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad are using several hospitals in the Gaza Strip, including Al Shifa, to hide or support their military activities and to detain hostages. Kirby mentioned that these groups are prepared to respond to Israeli military operations against these facilities.

The information was gathered through various intelligence methods, with the Biden administration downgrading the classification level of some data on Tuesday to share its conclusions with reporters.

Kirby clarified that while Hamas' actions complicate Israel's efforts to combat the group, they do not diminish Israel's responsibility to protect civilians. He emphasized that the U.S. does not endorse aerial strikes on hospitals and expressed concern about the impact on innocent, vulnerable, and sick people seeking medical care.

As Israeli forces approach Al Shifa hospital and fighting intensifies in Gaza City, patients are facing dire conditions due to energy shortages and depleting supplies. Some of the hospital's buildings have been bombed, leading to the death of at least 32 patients, including three premature babies, over the weekend. Another 36 babies and additional patients at Al Shifa are reportedly at risk, according to Gaza's health ministry.