In the midst of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, alarming reports have emerged regarding the dire situation of children affected by the conflict. An Italian surgeon, Federica Lizzi, who works at Deir al-Balah Hospital, has described the catastrophic injuries she witnesses daily, with an average of four children arriving with gunshot wounds to the head and neck. This harrowing situation has never been seen before in her extensive experience in various conflict zones around the world.
Lizzi recounted the tragic story of a six-year-old boy named Majid, who was severely injured after being struck by a projectile. He was transported to the hospital on a donkey cart, where doctors discovered that he had suffered a catastrophic injury with no exit wound, a clear indication of the severity of the attacks. The projectiles often explode upon impact, leading to devastating injuries that the medical staff are ill-equipped to handle. As the situation in Gaza worsens, Lizzi warns of a looming crisis of disabilities among the youth of the region.
Amidst the violence, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a successful polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, with over 160,000 children under the age of 10 vaccinated within just two days. This initiative is crucial as a 90 percent immunization rate is necessary to halt the spread of the virus in the area. Despite the ongoing conflict, WHO officials have noted that the vaccination campaign is proceeding well, and they hope the humanitarian pause will allow for its completion. The UN aims to vaccinate a total of 640,000 children across the Strip, highlighting the critical need for health initiatives even in times of crisis.
- The situation in Gaza has been exacerbated by a severe blockade on humanitarian aid, which has delayed the delivery of essential medical supplies, including painkillers and anesthetics. According to Dr. Lizzi, the lack of anesthesia is particularly distressing for children, who fear undergoing surgery without adequate pain relief. The ongoing violence has led to mass displacement, with many families fleeing to overcrowded areas along the coast, further straining the already limited resources available to medical facilities.
- Lizzi, who has worked in some of the world's most dangerous regions, emphasizes that the current crisis in Gaza is unlike any she has encountered before. The hospital where she works is the only functioning facility in central Gaza, and it is under constant threat from Israeli shelling. The humanitarian situation remains critical, with the potential for long-term consequences for the health and well-being of the children in the region.
