Israel’s army has stated that it is prepared to evacuate babies from Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa. However, Palestinian officials have contradicted this claim, stating that people inside the hospital are still trapped. The hospital is facing a power outage and intense fighting nearby, putting dozens of newborns at risk. Al-Shifa and other hospitals in northern Gaza are struggling to care for patients due to the ongoing Israeli bombardment.
Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra, speaking from inside Al-Shifa, reported that Israeli fire had not directly hit the hospital overnight. However, it is causing fear and distress among medical officials and civilians. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel’s chief military spokesperson, announced that the military would assist in evacuating babies from the hospital upon the request of the staff. Al-Qidra confirmed that there are 45 babies in total, with two already having died. However, there has been no information provided on how the babies will be safely transported to another hospital.
In the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya, a baby boy named Mosab Subeih was brought in after his house was struck by an Israeli missile. The hospital is facing a power cut, making it difficult to provide adequate care. Another hospital in northern Gaza, Al-Quds, is also struggling to care for patients due to a lack of medicine, food, and water. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported that Al Quds hospital has been cut off from the outside world for the past 6-7 days.
Shifa hospital, which is located in Gaza City, is also inaccessible for newly wounded individuals. Mohammad Qandil, a doctor at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, stated that wounded individuals cannot be evacuated to Shifa hospital by ambulance. The situation is dire, with disease spreading among evacuees who are packed into overcrowded shelters and facing severe shortages of food and water.
The Rafah crossing into Egypt is set to reopen for foreign passport holders, providing a glimmer of hope for the humanitarian situation in Gaza. However, very little aid has entered Gaza since the start of the conflict, exacerbating the crisis. Palestinian officials reported that over 11,000 Gaza residents have been killed in air and artillery strikes, with around 40% of them being children.
Hamas claims to have destroyed numerous Israeli military targets in Gaza, including tanks and vehicles. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the deaths of five more Israeli soldiers in Gaza, bringing the total to 46 since the ground operations began. The Israeli military has called on civilians to use a four-hour pause in fighting to evacuate south.
Residents in Al-Shati refugee camp reported increased fighting, with tanks operating just 700 meters away. The situation is dire, with people struggling to find essential items like bread and water during the day and trying to stay alive at night. The fear of bombings and the lack of food make it difficult for families to leave their homes.
Israel has called for the evacuation of hospitals in northern Gaza, claiming that Hamas is using them as command centers. However, Hamas denies these allegations. Al Shifa staff reported continuous bombardment for over 24 hours, with most staff and sheltering individuals having already left. The World Health Organization expressed grave concern for the safety of those trapped in the hospital and has lost communication with its contacts there.
There have been reports of progress towards a deal to free hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, but there is little evidence of such a deal. The situation remains tense, with no public comments from Hamas or Israel on the reports.
In conclusion, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with hospitals struggling to provide care amid intense fighting and power outages. The need for humanitarian aid is urgent, and the reopening of the Rafah crossing provides a glimmer of hope. However, the conflict continues to take a toll on the lives of innocent civilians.
