Three Babies Die as Israel Besieges Gaza’s Largest Hospital, Health Officials Say
Tensions between Israel and Gaza have escalated recently, leading to tragic consequences. Three babies have died as Israel has besieged Gaza’s largest hospital, health officials have said.
The three infant deaths occurred at the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, the largest hospital in the area. Gaza health ministry officials reported that the three babies had died, and that they were being treated there for respiratory diseases complications at the time.
It is not immediately clear how long the hospital was under siege by Israeli forces. In recent weeks, Israel’s military has conducted a series of air raids over the Gaza Strip, with strikes targeting Hamas tunnels and other infrastructure.
The infant deaths come amid rising tensions after Israeli forces killed 14 Palestinians on Sunday, including a 7-year-old and an 11-year-old. On Monday, the Israeli army said troops opened fire on protesters in Gaza, killing another 14.
The UN’s top human rights official has called the latest violence in Gaza a “war crime” and said that Israeli forces had used excessive force against protesters.
The deaths of the three babies underscore the dire living conditions in Gaza, which has been under an economic blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt since 2007. The area suffers from high unemployment, rising poverty, and widespread water and sanitation problems.
The UN has noted that the blockade “is a collective punishment imposed in clear violation of Israel’s obligations under international law”.
The rising violence in Gaza has provoked international condemnation, and calls are mounting for an immediate end to the conflict. International leaders are calling for a ceasefire, urging restraint on both sides, and for a dialogue to resume negotiations toward a lasting peace.