The Israeli military has announced to assist in the evacuation of babies from Gaza's largest hospital amidst escalating conflict between soldiers and Palestinian militants in the vicinity.
"The staff of the Al-Shifa hospital has requested that tomorrow, we will help the babies in the paediatric department to get to a safer hospital. We will provide the assistance needed," military spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a televised briefing.
Tragically, earlier on Saturday, reports from medical personnel indicated the loss of two premature babies at the Gaza City hospital's neonatal intensive care unit owing to power outage.
"There is a real risk to the lives of 37 other premature infants," Physicians for Human Rights Israel said, citing doctors at Al-Shifa hospital.
Surgeon Mohammed Obeid, affiliated with the facility, verified the unfortunate deaths of the newborns and disclosed that an adult patient also succumbed due to the unavailability of electricity for essential ventilator support.
"We want someone to give us the guarantee that they can evacuate the patients, because we have about 600 inpatients," he said, in an audio recording published by medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
Witnesses on the ground conveyed a harrowing scene, describing relentless gunfire, air strikes, and artillery fire that hindered movement even within the hospital complex.
The situation remains tense as efforts are underway to address urgent medical needs amid the ongoing conflict.
