A group of 35 American and international doctors volunteered to provide medical assistance at one of the few functioning hospitals in Gaza. They were shocked by the devastation they encountered, including children with horrific injuries, patients with severe burns and infections, and exhausted local medical staff. Israel’s incursion into the Gaza city of Rafah further complicated the situation, with Israeli troops seizing the main entry point for humanitarian workers, trapping the volunteer teams beyond their scheduled mission end date.
After negotiations between U.S. and Israeli authorities, some of the doctors were able to leave Gaza, but at least 14, including three Americans, chose to stay behind. The doctors faced dangerous situations, such as Israeli tanks aiming weapons at their convoy as they attempted to leave the area. The volunteers had been working at the European General Hospital, the largest hospital in southern Gaza, helping to treat the thousands of civilians wounded in the conflict. The U.N. is in talks with Israel to resume the movement of humanitarian workers in and out of Gaza, as the health system in the region has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict.
The doctors witnessed the devastating effects of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, with nearly two dozen hospitals no longer operational and remaining facilities overwhelmed. Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced, and the hospital staff is struggling to provide care amid the chaos. Outside the hospital, contaminated water sources and sewage overflow pose additional health risks to the population. Despite the challenges, the doctors remain committed to providing medical assistance and saving lives, even in the face of ongoing violence and danger.
Volunteer doctors like orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mohamed Tahir have been working tirelessly, performing multiple surgeries under difficult conditions. The doctors are not only dealing with the physical trauma they encounter but also the emotional toll of treating severely injured patients, including children. The intense work in the hospital, often interrupted by bombings and attacks, is taking a toll on the volunteers, who feel a sense of guilt as they prepare to leave the area and return to safety. However, they are determined to continue their mission of providing critical medical care to those in need, despite the challenges they face.
The volunteers are deeply affected by the stories of the patients they treat, including a 4-year-old boy with severe burns who did not survive. The emotional weight of witnessing such tragedy and suffering, coupled with the guilt of leaving behind a vulnerable population, weighs heavily on the volunteers. Despite the risks and challenges, the doctors remain dedicated to their mission and are committed to providing medical assistance to those affected by the conflict in Gaza. Their work highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region and the critical need for continued support and assistance for the people of Gaza.
