NHS Surgeon Describes Crisis in Gaza Hospitals

Dr. Amad Dawish, an NHS surgeon volunteering in Gaza, reported unimaginable horror from recent conflicts in the region. In a heartfelt video diary shared with the BBC, he described witnessing tragic scenes and suffering that surpasses any of his previous humanitarian missions. From the onset of hostilities, the pressure on medical staff has been immense, as they are overwhelmed by a constant influx of casualties resulting from bombings. Many patients arriving at the hospital are children, some suffering from severe injuries, like a 15-year-old boy who faced life-threatening trauma. Resources are critically low; the hospital is running out of essential supplies, including antibiotics, and experiences frequent electricity outages, complicating life-saving procedures. Dr. Dawish recounted a concerning incident where a bomb was dropped near the hospital, leading to further casualties. This hospital stands as the last hope in the area following the evacuation of neighboring healthcare facilities. Despite Dr. Dawish's exhausting 24-hour shifts caring for both injured and sick, including children recently vaccinated against polio, the prognosis remains bleak. The situation is dire, with continued bombings not just claiming lives, but also increasing the suffering of civilians seeking medical help. Despite Israel's claims of mitigating civilian harm during anti-terror operations, the reality faced by the medical staff and those injured contradicts such affirmations.