Gaza's Wounded: The Struggles of Children and Adults Under Siege
In the Gaza Strip, the plight of injured civilians continues to worsen as they grapple with severe health challenges and a lack of medical resources. Among them is 13-year-old Fares Al-Jasser, the sole survivor of a massacre that claimed his family two months ago in Jabalia. Leaning on his grandfather, Fares struggles with painful platinum rods implanted in his leg, a painful reminder of his traumatic past. He describes his daily journey to the hospital as 'very difficult,' often relying on borrowed wheelchairs to navigate the rough terrain.
Fares' story is just one of many. In the Arab Baptist Hospital, Mohammed Ashour endures agonizing pain as nurses change his bandages without anesthesia, a stark reality due to a severe shortage of medical supplies. His wife, Susan, shares heartbreaking details of their struggle, highlighting the deterioration of Mohammed’s health as he battles infections and malnutrition. 'His body no longer responds to antibiotics,' she laments, reflecting the dire situation faced by many in the region.
The situation is compounded by famine and soaring prices, leaving many like Rani Daghmash malnourished and bedridden. Rani, once over 100 kilograms, now struggles with fainting spells and visible ribcage due to a lack of proper nutrition. He, along with others suffering from serious injuries, faces prolonged healing times exacerbated by inadequate food supplies.
Dr. Fadl Naeem, a consultant orthopedic surgeon at the Baptist Hospital, explains the challenges in treating these patients. 'Famine, poor nutrition, and the lack of bone-building nutrients' hinder recovery, he states, while the shortage of anesthetics forces medical staff to ration pain relief. With thousands in need of urgent medical care, the ongoing blockade and delays in treatment could lead to severe complications, including amputations.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the resilience of those affected remains a poignant reminder of the urgent need for international attention and aid to alleviate their suffering.
