Title: The latest developments in the situation in Gaza: a heavy human toll
Introduction :
Violence continues to bloody the Gaza Strip, where clashes between the Israeli army and Hamas rage. The latest ground operations have worsened the already precarious humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave. Our Observer on site, Madhat Hajjaj, a professional nurse, testifies to the terrible reality of this merciless war. In this article, we will take stock of the latest developments in the situation in Gaza, focusing on the devastating human consequences of this conflict.
Attacks of unprecedented violence:
Since the outbreak of fighting, Madhat Hajjaj has tirelessly filmed the wounded arriving at Al-Shifa hospital, which is overwhelmed by the endless stream of victims. The images he makes available to the international media are particularly poignant. Many injured people have had amputations or are suffering from serious burns caused by the bombings. Some also lost partial vision due to the flames. Bomb shards are lodged in some people’s bodies, and many children have died from internal bleeding.
Overcrowded and under-equipped hospitals:
Hospitals such as Al-Shifa and Al-Quds are overwhelmed by the influx of wounded. The other services had to be reorganized to accommodate them. Unfortunately, the shortage of medicines and medical equipment puts doctors in a difficult situation, sometimes forcing them to operate without anesthesia. In total, more than 50,000 displaced people are accommodated at Al-Shifa Hospital because they lost their homes. Al-Quds hospital, for its part, accommodates more than 12,000 people in precarious conditions.
Hospitals themselves are not spared from attacks. The Indonesian hospital and the Turkish hospital were directly hit by the bombs, leading to power cuts and even more difficult working conditions for medical teams. No area of Gaza is safe from bombings, and the lack of electricity, powered by depleting fuel, threatens the continuity of care.
The appalling human toll:
According to a new report published by the Hamas Ministry of Health, the death toll stands at 8,306 people, including 3,457 children and 2,136 women. Nearly 21,000 people have been injured since the start of this deadly conflict, a toll which, however, could not be independently verified. For their part, the Israeli authorities have recorded more than 1,400 victims, mainly civilians, during the October 7 attack.
Conclusion :
The situation in Gaza has become unbearable for the population, who are bearing the brunt of the tragic consequences of this war. The Israeli army’s relentless and devastating attacks have claimed thousands of lives, including innocent children and women. Hospitals, already overwhelmed, are facing a shortage of medical resources, making care even more difficult. Faced with this dramatic situation, it is urgent that the international community act to put an end to this violence and find a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.