Fragile Lives Saved: 28 Premature Babies Evacuated to Egypt from Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Nov 21, 10:35 pm

Photo: (Photo : SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images)

Amidst the escalating conflict in Gaza, a glimmer of hope emerged as 28 premature babies were evacuated from the besieged enclave's Al-Shifa Hospital to Egypt for urgent medical treatment. These fragile lives, grappling with a myriad of health complications, embarked on a perilous journey, seeking refuge and the chance to thrive.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PCRS) and other humanitarian organizations orchestrated the evacuation, which turned out to be a challenging and terrifying task. The journey began at Al-Shifa, the largest medical facility in Gaza, which had become a battleground amidst the relentless bombardments.

Amidst the chaos and destruction, the PCRS team carefully transferred the babies to the Emirati Hospital in Rafah, a border town with Egypt.

Battling Health Complications Amidst Conflict

Upon arrival at the Emirati Hospital, a team of dedicated medical professionals immediately assessed the babies' condition. The majority of the infants were diagnosed with low blood oxygen levels, a consequence of the dire conditions at Al-Shifa, where power outages and a shortage of medical supplies had severely hampered their care. Several babies also suffered from eye injuries and low birth weight, compounding their delicate state.

With the urgency of their situation evident, the decision was made to evacuate 28 of the babies to Egypt. The arduous journey across the Rafah border unfolded under the watchful eyes of Egyptian health workers, who stood ready to receive the precious cargo with incubators and ambulances at the ready.

Upon reaching Egypt, the babies were divided into two groups, with 16 admitted to the New Administrative Capital Hospital in Cairo and the remaining 12 transported to El-Arish General Hospital in the Sinai Peninsula. In these Egyptian hospitals, the babies received the specialized care they desperately needed, surrounded by the expertise of medical teams committed to their recovery.

A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Darkness

The evacuation process, while successful in saving the lives of these vulnerable infants, also highlighted the plight of their families. Only four mothers were able to accompany their children to Egypt, leaving the fate of the remaining parents uncertain.

The intense fighting and communication blackout in Gaza had made it extremely challenging to locate and reunite families.

Despite the separation from their loved ones, the parents of the evacuated babies expressed their profound gratitude to Egypt for providing their children with life-saving care. One father, Ali Sbeiti, whose son Anas was born just three days before the conflict erupted, was overwhelmed with relief upon reuniting with his child.

"Thank God. We now feel that our son is safe after not seeing him for more than two weeks," he told CNN.

The evacuation of these 28 premature babies serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity amidst the turmoil of conflict. The collective efforts of humanitarian organizations, Egyptian healthcare providers, and the international community have provided a lifeline for these fragile lives, offering them a chance to blossom in a safe and nurturing environment.

While the future remains uncertain, the successful evacuation and ongoing care of these premature babies offer a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of conflict. Their resilience and the compassion shown by those who came to their aid serve as a beacon of humanity, illuminating the path towards a brighter future for these precious lives.