The US confirms it for the first time: We have intelligence information, Hamas is hiding under the Al-Shifa hospital

The US said on Tuesday night that it has intelligence that Israel's claims about the Al-Shifa hospital are true.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that Hamas has a command center under the main hospital in Gaza City.

Kirby told reporters that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad reportedly use several hospitals in the Gaza Strip, including Al-Shifa, and tunnels beneath them to hide and support their military operations and hold hostages.

He said the groups have stored weapons under Al-Shifa and are prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against that facility.

Kirby added: "We don't support airstriking a hospital and we don't want to see hospital fire strikes where innocent people, helpless people, sick people are just trying to get medical care. . .Hospitals and patients need to be protected ."

According to the US, this shows how challenging the military operation is.

"Hamas is deeply entrenched within the civilian population. Israel now has an added burden given the way Hamas operates."

Finally, Kirby stressed that Hamas' actions "do not diminish Israel's responsibilities to protect civilians in Gaza" - and stated that the US is continuing to discuss the issue with the Israeli government.  (A2 Televizion)