ROME: Italian hospitals will provide medical treatment for one hundred Palestinian children injured in the Gaza bombardment, as announced by the defense ministry in Rome.
Following over three months of intense Israeli bombardment and conflict in the besieged Palestinian territory, the healthcare system in Gaza has nearly collapsed.
The ministry disclosed the initiation of the operation to transport 100 Palestinian children and their families from the Gaza Strip to Italian hospital facilities.
The first batch of 30 children is scheduled for transfer in the coming days through an air force airlift between Italy and Egypt, as stated in a ministry communique.
Subsequently, an additional 30 children are expected to arrive by the end of the month via the Italian military ship, the “Nave Vulcano,” departing from Egypt’s port of El Arish.
The children will be hospitalized in various Italian cities, including Rome, Bologna, Florence, and Genoa.
In a separate announcement, the ministry revealed ongoing discussions with countries in the region to establish an army field hospital.
Meanwhile, in the latest bout of intense conflict in western Khan Younis, Gaza, Israeli forces have reportedly advanced deep into the area, marking the bloodiest fighting of the new year. Palestinian officials claim that one hospital, Al Khair, was stormed, and another, Al Amal, was placed under siege, severing access to trauma care for the wounded.
Troops ventured into the al Mawasi district near the Mediterranean Coast for the first time, arresting medical staff at Al Khair hospital. The situation at the hospitals has raised concerns, with the Palestinian Red Crescent reporting tanks surrounding Al Amal, hindering communication with staff. Palestinian Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al Qidra stated that at least 50 people were killed overnight, and the sieges on medical facilities have left dozens of dead and wounded beyond rescuers’ reach.
Israel has not immediately commented on the hospital situations. Allegations persist regarding Hamas fighters operating from hospitals, a claim denied by Hamas and medical staff. The conflict’s escalation, particularly in southern Gaza, is evident as Israeli tanks surge eastward across Khan Younis. Video footage depicts a desolate cityscape, with civilians navigating tents and abandoned structures amid intense gunfire and rising smoke columns.
Israel initiated an offensive last week, targeting Khan Younis as the alleged principal headquarters of Hamas fighters linked to October 7 attacks. The war’s latest phase has pushed the conflict into the enclave’s remaining corners, densely populated with those fleeing bombardment. The death toll, according to Gaza health authorities, has now reached at least 25,295 since October 7.
