Newborns in Gaza Hospital Huddle Together for Warmth Amidst Depleting Fuel Supplies_Video

In the heart of the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters, the vulnerable lives of premature infants at Al Shifa hospital hang in the balance. The besieged hospital, grappling with a lack of electricity, water, food, medicines, and essential equipment, is struggling to provide adequate care for its tiny patients.

Dr. Mohamed Tabasha, Head of the Pediatric Department at Al Shifa, revealed the alarming reality1A$ on Monday. The shortage of resources has forced the relocation of premature babies from incubators to regular beds, exposing them to fluctuating temperatures and heightened infection risks.

“I had 39 babies yesterday, and today they are 36. I cannot predict how long they can endure; I might lose two more today, or within an hour,” Dr. Tabasha expressed in a desperate plea for assistance.

The dire situation includes infants facing cold temperatures, unstable conditions due to power cuts, and a lack of infection control measures, leading to the transmission of viruses among the newborns who have no immunity.

Dr. Tabasha emphasized the critical need for electricity to operate incubators, proper sterilization for milk and bottle teats, essential medicines, and support machines for potential respiratory failure. The emotional and physical toll on the medical staff, consisting of exhausted doctors and four nurses responsible for the infants, adds to the grim circumstances.

The larger context of this crisis stems from Israel’s military assault launched to dismantle Hamas, the Palestinian group governing the Gaza Strip. The conflict escalated after Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in significant casualties. Since then, Gaza has witnessed thousands of deaths, with over half of the population displaced due to Israel’s relentless offensive.

In response to the crisis at Al Shifa hospital, Israel contends that the facility houses tunnels serving as a headquarters for Hamas fighters. Israel accuses Hamas of using patients as human shields, a claim vehemently denied by the Palestinian group.

As the international community watches the unfolding tragedy, urgent calls for humanitarian aid and intervention are resonating, emphasizing the need to safeguard innocent lives caught in the crossfire of this protracted conflict.