Hospitals cannot be part of any combat, UN warns

WASHINGTON

The UN warned Thursday that hospitals cannot be part of combat following reports that Gaza's main cancer hospital went out of service due to Israeli airstrikes and a shortage of fuel.

"Turkish Palestinian Friendship Hospital in Gaza City reportedly ran out of fuel yesterday and was forced to stop most of its activities rendering 70 cancer patients and serious risks," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

"I think this just only underscores a tragic humanitarian situation," he said, noting the need to allow fuel into Gaza.

"Hospitals cannot be evacuated and moved, he said. "It also yet another reminder of the fact that hospitals cannot be part of any combat."

The remarks came as the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, the only public hospital for cancer patients in the Gaza Strip, went out of service Wednesday.