31 premature babies are evacuated from Gaza’s largest hospital, but scores of trauma patients remain

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The text you provided discusses a critical situation in Gaza’s largest hospital, Shifa Hospital. It highlights the evacuation of 31 premature babies in extremely critical condition to Egypt, while over 250 patients with severely infected wounds and other urgent conditions remained stranded. Israeli forces had entered the hospital compound in search of Hamas operations.

The situation at Shifa Hospital has become a symbol of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals, including Shifa, as military headquarters, while Palestinian civilians have been severely affected by the conflict.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that hospital corridors were filled with medical waste, increasing the risk of infection for patients. The majority of patients had amputations, burns, or other trauma, and antibiotics were unavailable. Plans were being made to evacuate the remaining patients to southern Gaza, pending guarantees of safe passage.

Israel’s army claimed to have evidence of a command post under Shifa Hospital, including a tunnel with a staircase, blast-proof door, and a firing hole. They also mentioned the presence of foreign hostages taken to the hospital following a previous attack. However, these claims were not independently verified.

The conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties, both among Palestinians and Israelis. Efforts were underway to negotiate a hostage release and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Additionally, there were reports of heavy fighting in the northern Gaza Strip, with civilian casualties and damage to UN-run schools. The situation in Gaza was further exacerbated by cold weather and a lack of essential services due to fuel shortages.

This text provides a detailed overview of the situation at Shifa Hospital and the broader context of the conflict in Gaza.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shifa Hospital Crisis

More about Shifa Hospital Crisis

• Gaza’s Shifa Hospital Faces Critical Situation
• Ongoing Israel-Hamas Conflict
• World Health Organization’s Report on Shifa Hospital
• Israel’s Claims About Shifa Hospital
• Efforts to Negotiate Hostage Release
• Challenges in Gaza, Including Heavy Fighting