The conflict in Gaza has led to a humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting children, who make up a significant portion of the casualties.
The restrictions on medical personnel and supplies are exacerbating the situation, leading to preventable deaths among the injured.
The targeting of medical facilities and personnel raises serious concerns regarding adherence to international humanitarian law.
Without increased access to medical supplies and personnel, the death toll and number of severely injured individuals in Gaza may continue to rise.
The international community may face mounting pressure to intervene and facilitate humanitarian aid to the region.
Future medical missions to Gaza could be hindered by ongoing restrictions and safety concerns for healthcare workers.
Doctor Describes Unprecedented Injuries in Gaza Conflict
Dr. Victoria Rose, a surgeon returning from a mission in the Gaza Strip, has shared harrowing accounts of the injuries inflicted during the ongoing conflict, describing scenes of devastation that she had never witnessed before. Speaking to Al Jazeera, she reported that the majority of her patients were children, with 80% aged between five and 16, suffering from life-altering injuries.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported a staggering death toll of 42,924 individuals and over 100,833 wounded since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023. Dr. Rose highlighted that the nature of injuries has shifted dramatically since her previous visit in 2018, when she treated young men with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds during the Great March of Return protests. In stark contrast, the current conflict has resulted in severe amputations and life-threatening injuries primarily caused by explosive devices and shrapnel.
Dr. Rose described her experience at the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, where she encountered numerous cases of children shot in the limbs. She lamented the dire lack of medical supplies, which prevented her from providing adequate care. Furthermore, she raised concerns about the Israeli restrictions on medical personnel entering Gaza, predicting that many injured individuals may die without proper treatment or evacuation options.
The situation is compounded by the Israeli military's attacks on hospitals, which have rendered many facilities inoperable. Notably, the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City and other medical centers have suffered severe damage, with reports of targeted assaults on medical staff and ambulances. Dr. Rose's accounts underscore the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and medical support in the region.
