Gaza babies forced to share oxygen masks as hospitals struggle
UNICEF said hospitals in southern Gaza are overcrowded and premature babies have to share oxygen masks because Israel has denied transfers of incubators, though Israel disputes the claim. The ongoing war has worsened conditions, leaving equipment stranded and prompting calls to evacuate ill infants.
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told Reuters that Israel has denied permission to transfer incubators from an evacuated hospital in northern Gaza to the south, adding strain to already overcrowded hospitals. As a result, newborn babies are sharing oxygen masks and beds in southern facilities【628882130781112†L190-L198】. Elder described mothers and babies lining corridors at Nasser Hospital and rotating a single oxygen source between three infants【628882130781112†L213-L227】.
The crisis comes amid ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which has raised stress and malnourishment among pregnant mothers, leading to more premature and underweight babies【628882130781112†L202-L205】. Elder said incubators and vital equipment are stranded in closed northern hospitals, and UNICEF has called for the evacuation of ill and premature babies【628882130781112†L218-L246】. Israel disputes the UN agency’s assertion, saying it facilitates transfers of medical equipment to the south【628882130781112†L190-L197】.