Dr. Sam Attar, a US doctor, has returned from Gaza after working in hospitals amidst the ongoing conflict. Despite being back in Chicago, he is still haunted by the memories of the suffering he witnessed. He recalls the faces of patients he treated, including a traumatized little girl named Jenna and a man who had lost his legs and was left alone in a dark hospital room.
Dr. Attar worked in Gaza for two weeks in March and April, during which he experienced the overwhelming needs of the patients and the desperation of the situation. He describes the relentless pressure of performing triage, deciding who could be saved and who was beyond hope. He also recounts the guilt and shame he feels for leaving behind patients who are still suffering.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of looming famine in Gaza, with 30% of children under two years old acutely malnourished and 70% of the population in northern Gaza facing catastrophic hunger. The UN Human Rights chief has accused Israel of a potential war crime due to the food crisis in Gaza, which Israel denies.
Dr. Attar remembers a 32-year-old woman who died due to severe malnutrition, and a seven-year-old girl named Jenna who was severely traumatized and malnourished. He and his team filled out paperwork to have Jenna transferred to a hospital in southern Gaza, where she is now receiving treatment.
The war in Gaza has resulted in the majority of those killed being women and children, with 13,000 children and 9,000 women killed, according to UN estimates. The WHO states that only 10 of Gaza's 36 hospitals are still functioning, and traveling in Gaza is dangerous for aid workers, with seven aid workers, including three Britons, killed in an Israeli military attack on April 1.
Dr. Attar emphasizes the need for more aid to reach northern Gaza, including food, fuel, water, and medical evacuations. He plans to return to Gaza soon, driven by the bonds of friendship and the desire to help those still suffering.
The article highlights the devastating situation in Gaza, where patients are struggling to access basic medical care and aid workers are risking their lives to provide assistance. Dr. Attar's story serves as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of continued support and aid to those affected.
No comments:
Post a Comment