Surgeon’s Eyewitness Account: Unveiling The Gaza Conflict’s Humanitarian Toll

Boy amidst rubble with cityscape and mountains in background.

A trauma surgeon’s harrowing account reveals the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

At a Glance

Experienced trauma surgeon describes Gaza as the “worst of war zones” in 30 years of conflict medicine
Only one-third of Gaza’s hospitals remain functional, with severe shortages of medical supplies and personnel
Over 41,500 deaths and 96,000 injuries reported since October 7, 2023, according to UN figures
Humanitarian aid faces significant obstacles, with many supply trucks unable to enter Gaza
International medical volunteers witness unprecedented levels of human suffering and catastrophic injuries

Surgeon’s Testimony Highlights Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis

A trauma surgeon with three decades of experience in conflict zones has provided a stark account of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The surgeon, who volunteered with MedGlobal, describes the situation as “annihilation, not war,” with at least 28,000 Palestinians killed in Israeli bombardments since the conflict began.

The journey to Gaza involved a 12-hour drive from Cairo to the Rafah border, passing numerous parked humanitarian aid trucks unable to enter the region. Upon arrival, the surgeon found the European Gaza Hospital overwhelmed, housing more than 1,000 patients in a facility designed for 300.

Medical Challenges Amid Ongoing Conflict

The medical situation in Gaza is dire, with less than one-third of hospitals functional. Dr. Mohammed Qandil, head of the Emergency Department at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, reports that over 24,000 Palestinian fatalities and 61,000 injuries have occurred since October 2023. Hospital staff work under extreme conditions, facing severe shortages of medical supplies and basic amenities.

The volunteer surgeon performed 10 to 12 surgeries daily under unsterile conditions with limited medical equipment, often resorting to outdated tools like the Gigli saw. The hospital environment was chaotic, with bombings occurring frequently, sometimes every 30 seconds.

Humanitarian Impact and International Response

The United Nations reports that since October 7, 2023, the conflict has resulted in over 41,500 deaths and 96,000 injuries. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has treated more than 27,500 patients for violence-related injuries, mostly from shelling. The healthcare system in Gaza is severely compromised, with only 17 out of 36 hospitals partially functional.

“Our teams have been forced to perform surgeries without anesthesia, witness children die on hospitals floors due to a lack of resources and even treat their own colleagues and family members,” says Dr. Amber Alayyan, MSF medical program manager.

Humanitarian supplies face significant entry restrictions and distribution challenges due to ongoing conflict. The UN Security Council is being urged to ensure a ceasefire and address the ongoing destruction in Gaza. The international community’s response to this crisis remains a critical factor in alleviating the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population.

Call for Immediate Action

The testimonies of medical professionals working in Gaza underscore the urgent need for international intervention. The severe shortage of medical supplies, the overwhelming number of casualties, and the deteriorating conditions in hospitals call for immediate and substantial humanitarian aid.

“For one year, Israel’s allies have continued to provide their military support to Israel, as children are killed en masse, tanks fire on deconflicted shelters, fighter jets bomb so-called humanitarian zones,” says Chris Lockyear, MSF secretary general.

As the conflict continues, the international community faces mounting pressure to facilitate a ceasefire and ensure the safe delivery of essential supplies and medical aid to Gaza’s beleaguered population. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of prolonged conflict on civilian populations and the crucial role of medical professionals in conflict zones.