The World Health Organization’s regional director for emergencies, Richard Brennan, has reported that each of the 31 babies evacuated from Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza is suffering from serious infections. Two more babies died before they could be evacuated, and a third of those transported to a hospital in southern Gaza were in critical condition. The WHO is also unable to locate the children’s parents, adding to the tragedy of the situation.
Brennan stated that 11 of the babies were classified as critical and all of them have serious infections, with many of them having low birth weights. He emphasized the difficult road ahead for these infants. Despite the Gaza Health Ministry’s announcement that 30 babies will be transported to Egypt the following day, Brennan cautioned that the transfers would take place in stages, as some of the children were in too critical a condition to be moved. He also noted that approximately 291 patients and 25 staff members remain at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza.
The situation at Al-Shifa Hospital has been dire for weeks due to an ongoing blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza. The blockade has made it difficult for medical supplies and personnel to reach the hospital, leaving many patients without essential care. This has led to a surge in cases of malnutrition and other diseases among children and pregnant women.
The WHO is working closely with international partners to provide medical assistance to those affected by the crisis in Gaza. However, efforts are hampered by ongoing violence and instability in the region. Many people are displaced from their homes and forced to flee their communities due to ongoing conflict and violence. This has created a complex humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention from international leaders and organizations alike