White House confirms Hamas terrorists using Gaza's largest hospital as operations base

The White House confirmed Tuesday that Hamas terrorists are using Gaza's largest hospital, al-Shifa, and the tunnels beneath it as a base for military operations and to hold hostages.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby made the confirmation during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One, backing up what the Israeli military had been saying for weeks as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue their ground operation in the Gaza strip.

"I can confirm for you that we have information that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad used some hospitals in the Gaza strip, including al-Shifa, and tunnels underneath them to conceal and support their military operations and to hold hostages," Kirby said.

"Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad members operate a command and control node from al-Shifa in Gaza City. They have stored weapons there, and they are prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against that facility," he added.