US concerned over hospital strikes after Jordan's Gaza facility hit

Washington said Thursday it was "deeply concerned" about a strike on a Jordanian military hospital in Gaza that wounded seven people, underscoring its opposition to air strikes on health facilities.

"We are deeply concerned that they were injured," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said, praising the Jordanian government's "incredible work establishing this field hospital" and saying its work most continue.

Miller did not condemn the strike nor did he say who was responsible.

It took place Wednesday in Gaza City, with Jordanian news agency Petra saying seven health workers were hurt. The Arab League condemned the strike.

"As we said before, we don't want to see hospitals struck from the air," Miller said.

"We reiterate the obligations under international humanitarian law for all parties to take key precautions to reduce the risk of harm to civilians and all possible steps to mitigate civilian harm."

Israeli forces were searching building to building at Gaza's main hospital Al-Shifa Thursday as militant group Hamas said the military had "destroyed" parts of the compound where concern has mounted for Palestinians trapped inside.

Israeli soldiers were hunting for a command center they say the militants built below the complex, a charge denied by Hamas and managers at the hospital which has become a focal point of the war.

Washington, which provides significant military aid to Israel, has given unwavering support to its top Middle East ally since the October 7 attack by Hamas, saying Israel has the right to defend itself.

However, the US side has started voicing concerns over the methods of Israel's military operations and the high number of Palestinian civilian deaths.