Gaza baby saved after doctors perform c-section on mother killed by Israeli air strike

A Palestinian baby was saved following an emergency cesarean section performed by doctors at Naser Hospital in Gaza on a mother who was killed in an Israeli air strike, reported Wafa news agency.

This critical intervention became necessary as Raneem Hijazi was in her advanced stages of pregnancy when she was struck by the Israeli air strike that targeted Khan Yunis, based south of the Gaza Strip.

Dr Asa’d Al-Nawajha, from the care department in the Naser Hospital, said: “We are facing a tragic humanitarian story that is being repeated in the Gaza Strip as a result of the Israeli bombing.”

He added that the mother, Raneem, was transported to Naser Hospital to preserve the newborn’s life, the surgery was conducted immediately, after which the baby was placed in an incubator and is currently reported to be in stable condition.

This is an unnamed premature baby. His mother, Fatima al-Hirsh, was killed by Israel's bombardment on Gaza along with his entire family. She was still pregnant, and doctors delivered him as she drew her last breath. We will name him Naji, survivor, for now. Israel’s aggression is… pic.twitter.com/tL4fwskBG3

— Husam Zomlot (@hzomlot) October 24, 2023

Raneem was among the nearly one million individuals who were forced to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in the southern region of the Gaza Strip, Wafa reported.

According to a Ministry of Health report, at least 130 premature babies who depend on incubators face the risk of death, as fuel supplies have depleted and electricity is running low.

Additionally, around 50,000 expectant mothers are encountering difficulties in accessing healthcare services because of assaults on medical facilities and hospitals.

Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign on the Gaza Strip following a surprise infiltration of Palestinian resistance fighters to the towns around the enclave, putting the territory’s 2.3 million residents under total siege and a blockade of food, fuel and medical supplies.

More than 5,800 Palestinians have been killed so far.

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