US voices 'deep concern' about wounded Jordanian medics in Gaza

WASHINGTON

A senior US official expressed "deep concern" Thursday after Jordanian medical personnel were injured in an Israeli bombing attack near a Jordanian field hospital in the Gaza Strip.

"We are deeply concerned that Jordanian medical personnel in Gaza were wounded in an attack near their field hospital, and we are profoundly grateful to medical professionals providing critical care to Palestinians in Gaza," White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan wrote on X.

"Their essential role in conflict must be protected," said Sullivan, who called Jordan "a critical ally."

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller also voiced concern about the injuries.

"We urge the protection of civilians who are providing critical support to Palestinians and thank Jordan for its ongoing work to provide humanitarian assistance in Gaza," Miller wrote on X.

Jordan said Wednesday that seven hospital staff were injured by an Israeli bomb when they were trying to help Palestinians hit by an Israeli airstrike. It described it as a "war crime."

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, on Oct. 7.

At least 11,500 Palestinians have since been killed, including more than 7,800 women and children, and over 29,200 injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel's relentless air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.