‘I carefully reviewed Mia Shem’s health condition by watching videos released by Hamas and it appears that she received effective medical care,’ says former Israeli army doctor
TEL AVIV
While saying footage of a Hamas captive confirmed that she has gotten the necessary medical care, a former Israeli army trauma physician said he is worried about the lack of medical supplies in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Dr. Amir Blumental, former head of the Israeli Army Trauma Department, on Tuesday reviewed footage of captive Mia Shem released by Hamas for the benefit of the hostages’ families.
But Blumental stressed to Anadolu that shortages of medicine and medical supplies in the Gaza Strip would directly impact the Israeli hostages.
Stressing that the hostage appears to be in good health, Blumental said: “I carefully reviewed Mia Shem’s health condition by watching the videos released by Hamas. Based on what I’ve observed, it appears that she received effective medical care. I extend my gratitude to the Palestinian doctors for their provision of this level of care.”
He added that Shem needs both physical treatment and other health care for her well-being.
‘I worry about everyone’s health in Gaza’
Blumental expressed his “deep” concerns over the health of everyone in the embattled Gaza Strip, which in addition to Israeli bombardment has been cut off from electricity, water, and medical supplies.
He said: “Everyone in Gaza needs care. Some Israeli prisoners held by Hamas also need routine treatment.”
Blumental said that some of the hostages are infants or elderly individuals requiring special care, stressing the importance of them getting their medications to prevent life-threatening situations.
“Everyone, including the hostages, requires care. Someone needs to provide this assistance, and we refer to it as humanitarian aid,” he added.
Eleven days into the conflict with the Palestinian group Hamas, Israel’s bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip has continued, with over one million people displaced – almost half of Gaza’s total population, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, or UNRWA.
The fighting began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence against Palestinians.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.
At least 3,000 Palestinians, including hundreds of children, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.
More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed in the conflict.
