Three Infants Perish during Israel's Siege of Gaza's Main Hospital, Confirm Health Authorities
Amidst the ongoing conflict, Gaza's largest hospital faces a critical situation as three newborns tragically lose their lives The facility, currently under siege by Israeli forces, is unable to provide essential care to both staff and patients
According to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health, three newborn babies in Gaza's largest hospital have tragically died due to the hospital going "out of service" during the intense fighting in the area. The ministry claims that the facility is currently under siege by Israeli forces. However, the Israeli army denies these allegations and refutes that the hospital is under siege.
Overnight Friday into Saturday, two infants at Al-Shifa Hospital tragically lost their lives due to a nearby shell hitting, causing the generator that powered the incubators in the neonatal ward to shut off. Another baby passed away on Saturday morning. As a result, doctors are currently manually performing artificial respiration on the remaining 36 infants under their care, with the babies being covered in soft lining and blankets to aid in this process.
Dr. Ashraf al-Qidra, a spokesperson for the Ministry, revealed that he found himself confined within the compound located in northern Gaza. He stated that it has become non-functional, as it has been continuously attacked by Israeli forces. According to Dr. al-Qidra, crucial facilities such as the intensive care unit, pediatric department, and oxygen devices have ceased to operate.
Doctors Without Borders, a medical charity, indicated their inability to reach their staff members at Al-Shifa Hospital, who had reported a dire situation within the facility.
The Israeli army informed CNN that they were involved in an intense battle against Hamas near the hospital. However, they declined to provide additional details regarding their proximity to the complex due to ongoing military operations. Israel has alleged that Gaza's ruling Hamas militants utilize hospitals as shields.
The Israeli army has denied reports of shooting and a siege at the hospital, stating that they are willing to coordinate the safe departure of individuals. Israel has intensified its offensive in Gaza following the unexpected Hamas attacks, resulting in a substantial loss of lives with around 1,200 casualties.
Israel has been continuously bombarding and blockading Gaza, a territory that is already impoverished and densely populated. As a result, more than 11,000 people have lost their lives, as confirmed by Palestinian health officials. The brutal assault has raised grave concerns about the state of healthcare in Gaza. The Director General of the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC), Robert Mardini, expressed his shock and dismay at the distressing images and reports from Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza.
"The unbearably desperate situation for patients & staff trapped inside must stop. Now," Mardini said in a post on X.
The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza confirms that due to the ongoing "complete siege," both staff and patients at Al-Shifa Hospital are currently unable to leave.
Staff and patients trapped
Bursh said Al-Shifa Hospital was under "complete siege" with staff and patients unable to evacuate.
According to Bursh, over 400 individuals are currently receiving treatment at the hospital, while approximately 20,000 displaced individuals are seeking shelter within the hospital complex. Bursh informed CNN that he witnessed over 100 bodies covered in blankets lying on the ground within the same complex.
"We cant bury them," he told CNN by phone. The sound of explosions could be heard as he spoke.
CNN is unable to verify the number of dead at Al-Shifa Hospital.
Bursh reported that injured individuals were being sent to Al-Ahli Hospital due to the inaccessibility of Al-Shifa. He also mentioned the lack of water, food, and electricity at the hospital.
Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern about the conditions at Al-Shifa Hospital. The Middle East director of the Norwegian Refugee Council, Angelita Caredda, stated that their group was deeply disturbed by ongoing attacks on hospitals in Gaza.
"Patients, even infants, and innocent civilians in search of assistance are currently trapped amidst the attacks. Engaging in warfare in the vicinity and targeting hospitals is a grave violation," she expressed.
Additional medical institutions have also become entangled in the ongoing conflict. Last Friday, the director of two facilities reported that they were encircled by Israeli tanks.
