Published 1 year ago • loading... • Updated 1 year ago
Mission to evacuate north Gaza babies suspended amid ongoing fighting, UN says
The evacuation of two newborns was halted due to denied Israeli security clearance amid military conflict, affecting efforts to move 18 babies from Gaza hospitals, UNICEF said.
UNICEF reported on Thursday that it was forced to halt a previously authorized operation intended to evacuate two infants from Gaza City, citing the absence of required security clearance from Israeli authorities.
The suspension resulted from ongoing Israeli military operations in the area, which prevented safe passage despite prior authorization.
The two infants, each under one month old, are still receiving care at Al Helo Hospital, as their parents joined the mass movement of people fleeing northern Gaza.
Hamish Young of UNICEF reported, 'Unfortunately we didn’t get that clearance,' and described machine gun fire and drones overhead in Gaza City.
UNICEF said the babies are healthy and could be reunited with their parents in Deir al-Balah once conditions allow evacuation.