A team of international doctors visiting a hospital in central Gaza was shocked by the impact of Israel’s war against Hamas on Palestinian children. One toddler died from a brain injury caused by an Israeli strike, while his infant cousin struggled for her life after part of her face was blown off. The doctors saw the devastating effects firsthand, with many children arriving at the hospital in critical condition, some with severe burns and fractures.
After nearly six months of war, Gaza’s health sector has been decimated, with roughly a dozen of the 36 hospitals in the region either shut down or barely functioning. This has put immense strain on hospitals like Al-Aqsa Martyrs, which are caring for a large number of patients with limited supplies and staff. The team of doctors working there saw firsthand the overcrowding and lack of resources, with patients occupying corridors and even blankets on the floor.
The hospital, which had a capacity of around 160 beds before the war, now has around 800 patients with only 120 staff members able to come to work. Health care workers face daily struggles in finding food for their families and ensuring their safety. Many bring their children to the hospital with them to keep them close. The situation is described as miserable, with thousands of people displaced by the war also living on the hospital grounds in hopes of safety.
Israel has alleged that hospitals serve as military command centers and hideouts for Hamas, but little visual evidence has been presented. Hamas denies the allegations. While Israeli troops have not raided Al-Aqsa Martyrs, surrounding areas have been targeted, with strikes hitting close to the hospital. The ongoing bombardment and offensive have killed and wounded thousands of Palestinians, with the Health Ministry reporting over 32,000 deaths and nearly 75,000 injuries.
Israel holds Hamas responsible for non-combatants’ deaths and injuries, as militants operate from within civilian areas. Over a third of those killed are claimed to be Hamas militants. The war, triggered by Hamas militants attacking southern Israel, has led to severe restrictions on the entry of food, fuel, and medical supplies into Gaza. Aid groups have called for increased access to aid, as hospitals struggle with shortages of medical equipment and anesthetics.
The doctors at Al-Aqsa Martyrs say the only way to end Gaza’s healthcare crisis is for the war to stop. Hospitals are operating at a breaking point, with staff working tirelessly to care for the influx of patients in dire need of medical attention. The international community has called for increased humanitarian aid and access to Gaza, as the ongoing conflict continues to take a devastating toll on the region’s most vulnerable populations.
