The Ministry of Health in Gaza has warned of a "catastrophic" situation facing premature babies in neonatal units across hospitals in the Strip, amid severe shortages of medical equipment, fuel, and frequent power outages.

Dr. Nasser Bulbul, consultant and head of the neonatal department at the Qawafel Al-Tadamun Hospital (part of Al-Shifa Medical Complex), stated that "malnutrition and the ongoing blockade have led to a significant increase in premature births, with most newborns suffering from serious health complications."

Bulbul noted that neonatal intensive care units are "lacking incubators, ventilators, and oxygen connectors," and are currently operating on generators that are at risk of shutting down due to a severe diesel shortage.

He urged humanitarian agencies and health organizations to "intervene immediately" to save the lives of premature infants.