Italian Medical Ship Docks in Egypt to Treat Gaza Wounded

The Italian medical assistance ship, "Volcano," has arrived at the port of El Arish in Egypt on Sunday, as confirmed by a maritime official.

The purpose of its arrival is to provide care for the war-wounded from the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

An official at the port stated to the French Press Agency, "The floating hospital is an Italian medical ship that has arrived at the port of El Arish to treat Gaza's injured in Egypt."

The Italian ship marks the second floating hospital to arrive in El Arish, following the French helicopter carrier "Dixmude," which arrived on November 27th to provide medical assistance to Gaza's wounded.

Many hospitals in the region had been rendered out of service due to the conflict that erupted on October 7th.

The Italian ship carries "more than 170 crew members, with around 30 working in the healthcare sector," according to a statement from the Italian Ministry of Defense.

Since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in early October, several injured individuals have managed to leave the Gaza Strip for Egypt through the Rafah Crossing, the only land border crossing not under Israeli control.

Hundreds of foreigners and dual nationals have also exited through the crossing, and humanitarian aid trucks have entered Gaza.

Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7th, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties, with most of them being civilians killed on the first day of the attack, according to Israeli authorities.

Israel vowed to eliminate the movement and has since carried out intensive airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. Ground operations commenced on October 27th.

The bombardment has resulted in the deaths of over 15,000 people, predominantly civilians, and the injury of more than 30,000 individuals, according to Hamas.

On Friday, a seven-day ceasefire between the two parties came to an end, allowing for the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for prisoners in Israeli jails and the delivery of more aid to the Strip, as its population of 2.4 million people faces increasing needs.