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In a significant humanitarian move, a French warship, the Dixmude, arrived in the Egyptian town of El-Arish on Monday, near the border with the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip, with the purpose of serving as a hospital for wounded civilians, as confirmed by a port source.
The Dixmude, equipped to provide critical medical assistance, is set to feature two operating rooms and 40 beds, offering a lifeline for those in need amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The arrival of the warship underscores the dire humanitarian situation in the region, particularly as the majority of hospitals in Gaza have been rendered inoperable in recent weeks, leaving hundreds of critically wounded Palestinians in need of urgent care.
The decision to deploy the French warship as a floating hospital comes as a response to the escalating crisis, providing a vital means of medical support for those affected by the conflict. The move aligns with international efforts to address the pressing humanitarian needs in the region and extends a helping hand to the vulnerable populations caught in the crossfire.
According to the United Nations, hundreds of critically wounded Palestinians have sought refuge in Egypt in recent weeks, facilitated by special exit permits. The influx of patients into Egypt highlights the overwhelming strain on Gaza's healthcare system and the urgent need for external assistance.
As the French warship transforms into a medical facility, it represents a beacon of hope in the midst of crisis, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in alleviating the suffering of civilians affected by conflict.
