Title: Israel's Humanitarian Aid Attempts in Gaza Amid Conflict
With Israeli forces encroaching upon the largest hospital in Gaza, Al-Shifa, the World Health Organization (WHO) paints a grim picture. The hospital is no longer operational, and premature infants are being moved from their incubators. In response, Israel's military is organizing the shipment of incubators to Gaza.
The Israeli army announced the incubator delivery on their X platform, stating, "The armed forces are coordinating the transfer of incubators from an Israeli hospital to Gaza." This initiative aims to rescue newborns from the Gaza City Al-Shifa clinic, which is currently overwhelmed by the conflict.
Emergency calls from the clinic revealed the dire situation. Extreme proximity of Israeli troops, escalating fighting, and depleting generators fuel cannot sustain the hospital's critical services. The hospital's director, Mohammad Abu Salamia, confirmed that the clinic is effectively shut down due to lack of fuel. Premature infants are now being kept warm in foil wraps with hot water bottles. Tragically, reports of fatalities in the children's ward have been rising, according to Abu Salamia.
The United Nations (UN) expressed concern over up to 10,000 people being trapped inside the hospital complex during fierce fighting. U.S. President Joe Biden pleaded with Israel to show compassion for Al-Shifa Hospital while engaging in military operations against the radical Islamic group Hamas.
Delivered fuel remains untouched
The WHO was among the first to alert the world to the "appalling conditions" within the Gaza Strip's leading hospital, exacerbated by consistent shelling and bombardments. The prolonged conflict has raised the fatality count significantly. At this point, the clinic cannot function as a hospital.
Israel has accused Hamas of operating its military headquarters beneath the same hospital. In an attempt to support Al-Shifa, Israel delivered 300 liters of fuel to the hospital on November 11, 2023. Images show Israeli soldiers depositing fuel canisters near the clinic, yet reports suggest that the fuel still remains unused.
Mark Regev, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's chief advisor, issued a statement urging the hospital's staff to utilize the delivered fuel before awaiting further assistance. Regev further suggested that civilians leave the hospital's eastern exit for safety.
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Israeli military's delivery of fuel to Al-Shifa Clinic has encountered complications. Director Abu Salamia claimed that the provided fuel would not sustain the clinic for more than half an hour, and the clinic's disruption forced the removal of premature infants from their incubators.
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Enrichment Insights
- During the Gaza conflict, Israel has undertaken several initiatives to support Al-Shifa Hospital despite the challenges posed by the ongoing warcast:
- Fuel Delivery: Although Israel provided fuel to Al-Shifa, the amount delivered was insufficient to meet the hospital's needs.
- Incubator Deployment: Israel donated battery-powered incubators, but the excess needs of the hospital necessitated further aid.
- Evacuation Efforts: In cooperation with the WHO, the United Nations, and Palestinian Red Crescent, an evacuation mission was launched to save 31 premature infants, who were subsequently moved to a hospital in southern Gaza and then transferred to Egypt.
However, concerns have arisen concerning the delivery of fuel to Al-Shifa, including:
- Insufficient Supplies: The amount of fuel delivered by Israel was not enough to sustain the hospital's vital equipment.
- Fuel Shortage Impact: The lack of fuel affected the hospital's back-up generators and the operation of medical equipment, culminating in the loss of at least three prematurely born babies.
- Propaganda and Misinformation: There have been allegations of misinformation and propaganda about the occupation of Al-Shifa Hospital by Hamas, such as the broadcast of a fake video accusing Hamas of stealing fuel and medicines.
