Gaza Al-Shifa Hospital Update: Over 30 Premature Babies Evacuated Despite Being in Extremely Critical Condition

Here's what WHO officials said.

WHO confirmed that over 30 premature babies, who are in extremely critical condition, were evacuated from Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital. World Health Organization officials announced this new information on Sunday, Nov. 19.

Gaza Al-Shifa Hospital Update: Over 30 Premature Babies Evacuated Despite Being in Extremely Critical Condition
This picture taken on September 29, 2022 shows a view of a newborn infant receiving care inside an incubator at a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City on September 29, 2022. MOHAMMED ABED/AFP via Getty Images

As of writing, the WHO-led team said that these babies are receiving urgent health care in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. After that, they will be transported to Egypt.

Here are other details shared by WHO officials about the ongoing issue in Gaza's largest hospital.

Over 30 Premature Babies in Critical Condition Evacuated From Al-Shifa Hospital

According to Fox News' latest report, 31 premature babies were moved out of the Al-Shifa Hospital as the situation in the Gaza Strip worsens.

Right now, the hospital is suffering from clean water, fuel, food, medical supplies, and other essential item shortages.

"The babies were successfully transported to the neonatal intensive care unit at Al-Helal Al-Emarati Maternity Hospital in southern Gaza, where they are being assessed and stabilized," said WHO.

The World Health Organization added that these premature babies are suffering from serious infections because they don't have the needed medical supplies.

Some of these babies are dehydrated and have sepsis and hypothermia, as confirmed by Gaza hospital director Mohamed Zaqout.

WHO said that Gazan doctors in the Al-Shifa Hospital confirmed that they can no longer continue their infection control measures because of the lack of needed items.

Thanks to the WHO-led team, which was established with the help of the United Nations and the Palestine Red Crescent Society, the premature babies were transported via six ambulances.

Why Israel Raided Al-Shifa Hospital

Gaza Al-Shifa Hospital Update: Over 30 Premature Babies Evacuated Despite Being in Extremely Critical Condition
People stand outside the emergency ward of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City on November 10, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. Heavy fighting was raging near Al-Shifa hospital, with Israel saying it had killed dozens of militants and destroyed tunnels that are key to Hamas's capacity to fight. AFP via Getty Images

BBC reported that the Al-Shifa Hospital was raided by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) because it is believed to be controlled by Hamas terrorists.

After raiding the health facility, Israeli officials claimed that they found an operational center, which was allegedly used by the Palestinian militant group.

Israel even shared images showing that Hamas weapons and other equipment were found at the Al-Shifa Hospital. However, Hamas officials denied the accusations, claiming that they never operated in the hospital.

As of writing, the massive raid against the Al-Shifa Hospital is still being investigated by the UN and Israel is still looking for more evidence to prove their claims.

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