Democratic Senator On MSNBC Says We Must Find ‘Real Hospitals’ In Gaza To Protect and Provide Aid

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) argued that a neutral party should provide aid to “real hospitals” in Gaza amid the current war in the region between Israel and Hamas.

The Democratic lawmaker made his remarks during an interview on Wednesday with MSNBC host Andrea Mitchell, noting that the solution is difficult because organizations are hesitant to get involved in the war because “it’s too political.”

Hospitals in Gaza have struggled to treat civilians and those injured from the fighting due to the lack of proper medical supplies and bombardment. Israel argues that Hamas shields themselves by using medical centers to coordinate attacks.

“What I’m looking for is credible reports on these hospitals and looking for a third party that the public and the parties that are involved will accept,” Durbin noted. “And that’s not an easy thing. In fact, some organizations have told me pointedly they don’t want to get involved in that. It’s too political. It’s — it could backfire on you.”

“The bottom line is the hospitals that are real hospitals, that have real needs, should be identified, and protected… these hospitals have to be kept out of the conflict,” he added.

Durbin clarified he understands Israel’s position that Hamas uses hospitals to shield themselves from attacks:

DURBIN: I understand that it is a complex situation. And Hamas has used these hospitals as a veiled effort to continue their military operations in a safe way. And I do not want to in any way support that. But the bottom line is, the hospitals that are real hospitals that have real needs should be identified and protected. We should let it be known to both sides that these hospitals have to be kept out of the conflict. That is not unreasonable. It is basic, and it’s consistent with international law when it comes to humane treatment of individuals in wartime.

Watch the full clip above via MSNBC.