Amidst Israel’s offensive in northern Gaza, premature babies from Al-Shifa hospital have been evacuated and taken to Egypt for medical care. At least 28 out of the 31 infants who were evacuated were transferred to hospitals in Egypt on Monday, with the Palestine Red Crescent Society arranging the transfers. The conditions at Al-Shifa hospital have been deteriorating, with power outages and dwindling supplies affecting the care of patients. The plight of the 39 premature babies at the hospital has garnered international attention, as several infants have tragically lost their lives. Efforts are ongoing to evacuate the remaining patients from the hospital to ensure their safety in the midst of the conflict.
Premature babies evacuated from Gaza’s main hospital arrive in Egypt
On November 20, 2023, at least 28 of the 31 premature babies who were evacuated from Gaza’s biggest hospital, Al-Shifa, arrived in Egypt for medical care. The evacuation was initiated due to the deteriorating conditions at Al-Shifa hospital during Israel’s offensive in northern Gaza. Health workers transferred the infants from the Emirati Hospital in Rafah, where they were initially taken, to various hospitals in Egypt to ensure they receive the necessary medical attention.
Background: Premature babies in Gaza’s main hospital
Al-Shifa hospital had been housing 39 premature babies, but the worsening conditions at the facility, coupled with power outages and dwindling supplies, resulted in the deaths of eight infants. The hospital had become a target during Israel’s offensive, with forces raiding the facility multiple times in recent days. The dire situation at Al-Shifa hospital drew international attention to the plight of premature babies and the challenges faced by medical staff in Gaza.
Evacuation of premature babies to Egypt
The decision to evacuate premature babies from Al-Shifa hospital was made to ensure their safety and provide them with proper medical care. The continued offensive in northern Gaza made it difficult for the hospital to function effectively, leading health officials to arrange for the transfer of the infants to hospitals in Egypt. The evacuation process required coordination between Palestinian health authorities, the Emirati Hospital in Rafah, and hospitals in Egypt.
Transfer of babies from Al-Shifa hospital to Rafah
After the decision to evacuate the premature babies, they were initially taken to the Emirati Hospital in Rafah, located in southern Gaza. From there, they were transported to hospitals in Egypt for further treatment. The Emirati Hospital in Rafah played a crucial role in facilitating the transfer and ensuring the safe transport of the infants.
Reasons for transferring only 28 of the 31 babies
While 31 premature babies were evacuated from Al-Shifa hospital, only 28 of them were transferred to hospitals in Egypt. The exact reasons for omitting three babies from the transfer are unclear at the moment. It is crucial to monitor updates on the condition and status of these three infants to ensure they receive the necessary medical attention.
Conditions at Al-Shifa hospital
Al-Shifa hospital faced significant challenges during Israel’s offensive, including power outages and dwindling supplies. The hospital had become a target for Israeli forces, jeopardizing the safety and well-being of patients and medical staff. The lack of adequate resources, such as fuel and medical supplies, severely impacted the ability to provide proper care to patients, particularly premature babies.
Remaining patients at Al-Shifa hospital
Despite the evacuation of the premature babies, around 250 patients in serious condition remain at Al-Shifa hospital. These patients include individuals with amputations, burns, and other traumatic injuries. Many of them have severe infections, and there is a lack of antibiotics for their treatment. The situation at the hospital remains dire, and efforts are underway to transfer the remaining patients to southern Gaza.
Evacuation efforts for remaining patients at Al-Shifa hospital
Plans are in motion to evacuate the remaining patients at Al-Shifa hospital to hospitals in southern Gaza. The transfer, however, is dependent on guarantees of safe passage. The ongoing conflict and the presence of Israeli forces in the area pose challenges to the safe and timely evacuation of the remaining patients. Ensuring the safety and well-being of these individuals is a top priority for Palestinian health authorities.
Claims of Hamas operating a command center beneath the hospital
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have claimed that Hamas was operating a command center beneath Al-Shifa hospital. The IDF shared video evidence of a tunnel shaft and weapons found near the hospital to support their claim. However, the authenticity of the video and the veracity of the IDF’s claims have not been independently verified. The Palestinian Health Ministry has strongly denied these allegations, asserting that the hospital provided medical services to all individuals, irrespective of their gender or race.
Al-Shifa hospital described as a ‘death zone’
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Al-Shifa hospital has ceased functioning as a medical facility and has become a “death zone.” The destruction caused by the offensive has rendered the hospital incapable of providing adequate care to patients. The dire situation at Al-Shifa hospital, including the deaths of premature babies, highlights the urgent need for international assistance and intervention to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Challenges faced by medical staff at Al-Shifa hospital
Medical staff at Al-Shifa hospital faced significant challenges due to the ongoing offensive and the deteriorating conditions. The lack of resources and the continuous influx of patients put tremendous strain on the healthcare system. Despite these challenges, healthcare workers at Al-Shifa hospital demonstrated their unwavering commitment to saving lives and providing the best care possible under the circumstances.
Mounting toll in Gaza
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has taken a severe toll on the people of Gaza. Over 13,000 individuals have lost their lives, and more than 1.6 million people have been displaced. The threat of continued bombardments and the onset of winter conditions further exacerbate the challenges faced by the population. The international community must prioritize efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution and provide necessary aid to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.