The World Health Organization (WHO)’s regional director for emergencies, Richard Brennan, has reported that 11 of the 31 babies evacuated from Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza are critical and have serious infections. Two more babies died before they could be evacuated, and a third of those transported to a hospital in southern Gaza were in critical condition. The WHO is also unable to locate the children’s parents, adding to the tragedy of the situation.

Brennan stated that all 31 babies have low birth weights, with many suffering from serious infections. He emphasized the difficult road ahead for these infants and expressed concern about the whereabouts of their parents. Despite the Gaza Health Ministry’s announcement that 30 babies will be transported to Egypt the following day, Brennan cautioned that transfers would take place in stages as some of the children were too critical to be moved. He also noted that approximately 291 patients and 25 staff members remain at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza.