Gaza healthcare "Catastrophic" as aid and supplies dwindle

The healthcare system in the Gaza Strip is on the verge of collapse due to Israeli bombardments and a blockade. Dr. Nada Abu Al-Rub, an Australian volunteer doctor at Al-Aqsa Martyrs and Al-Shifa hospitals in Gaza, described the tragic situation on the ground. She reported widespread injuries from airstrikes, with a high number of deaths among children due to starvation, malnutrition, and diarrhea. 'People are taking refuge in the hospital, living on the floor and in the corridors. There is no clean water, and food is scarce. The situation is catastrophic,' she stated. The doctor noted that bringing aid into Gaza is nearly impossible. 'Each doctor was only allowed $280. We had to cover transportation and basic living expenses with this money. Bringing baby formula was forbidden; any violation could jeopardize future missions,' she said. She also highlighted the severe lack of medical supplies, stating that basic necessities like gloves, scissors, beds, mattresses, surgical materials, and even soap were almost completely gone. She described the situation as even more dire when they moved north. 'The north was completely destroyed; rubble, dust, and dead bodies. The bombardment was ongoing. Hospitals were overflowing with the injured, and approximately 1,500 bodies were buried under the rubble.' Dr. Al-Rub praised the extraordinary efforts of the healthcare staff. 'Nurses and medical students are working nonstop despite losing their homes and families. The level of wounds and trauma is incredible; severe injuries like limb loss and exposed brain tissue and intestines are very common,' she said. Despite the healthcare crisis, the doctor emphasized the resilience of the people. 'People are trying to create something out of nothing; every room is turning into a rescue area. The bombardment continues, and patients are constantly being evacuated. But there is no fuel, money, or transportation. People are burning plastic to run their cars and move their belongings,' she added. She also drew attention to the nature of the weapons used in the conflict. 'Illegal weapons are being used in the region. Bullets entering the body can explode months and even years later. Entire families are crushed together, bones are like dust, and limbs are held together by tendons. No horror movie can describe a situation like this.' The doctor noted that Gaza's hospitals have been under blockade for years. 'Everyone is dying for different reasons: hunger, thirst, injuries, disabilities. This situation is unbearable.' Yet, she said, the people remain hopeful. 'People are resilient and are waiting for help. International aid must be delivered to the region urgently for this catastrophe to end.'