At Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, two underweight and premature newborns share the same incubator due to equipment shortages. The situation is described as catastrophic by Hatem Dhahir, head of the hospital's neonatology department, who says there are no more incubators available and many babies need oxygen.
Israel's war against Hamas, started in response to the attack carried out by the Palestinian movement on October 7, 2023, destroyed or damaged several hospitals and compromised Gaza's entire health system. The restrictions imposed by Israel on the entry of goods into the territory further aggravate the humanitarian situation.
For premature or sick babies, being born in Gaza means facing an uphill battle. The lack of basic equipment, medications, and medical supplies puts newborns' lives at risk, as they do not receive the adequate care needed to survive.