The impact of Israel’s war against Hamas on Palestinian children in Gaza has left an international team of doctors stunned. One toddler died from a brain injury caused by an Israeli strike, while his cousin, an infant, is fighting for her life with part of her face blown off. The hospitals in Gaza, including Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, are overwhelmed with patients as the health sector has been decimated after nearly six months of war. Many hospitals have shut down or are barely functioning due to shortages of supplies, fuel, and medicine.
The hospitals in Gaza, including Al-Aqsa Martyrs, are caring for an overwhelming number of patients with limited supplies and staff. The majority of the intensive care unit beds are occupied by children, including infants wrapped in bandages and wearing oxygen masks. Health care workers, including nurses and doctors, face the same struggles as others in Gaza, trying to find food for their families and ensure their safety. Thousands of people displaced by the war are living in hospital grounds, seeking safety.
Israel’s bombardment and offensive in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 32,000 Palestinians and injuries to nearly 75,000 more. Roughly half of Gaza’s population is 17 or younger, and two-thirds of those killed have been women and children. Israel holds Hamas responsible for the deaths and injuries of non-combatants, as militants operate from within civilian areas. Aid groups have called on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, as hospitals struggle with shortages of medical supplies and equipment.
The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas and other militants attacking southern Israel, causing casualties and taking hostages. Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals as command centers and weapon storage facilities, but Hamas denies the allegations. Hospitals, including Al-Aqsa Martyrs, have faced attacks from Israeli forces in surrounding areas, causing doctors, patients, and displaced Palestinians to flee. The international community has called for an end to the war to stop the health care crisis in Gaza.
Despite increasing aid flow into Gaza, the entry of food, fuel, and medical supplies has been limited due to complicated inspection procedures at the border and continued fighting. Hospital staff struggle with shortages of spare parts for medical equipment and anesthetics, leading to surgeries and procedures being performed without painkillers. The only solution to Gaza’s health care crisis, according to pediatrician Tanya Haj-Hassan, is for the war to stop. International organizations and health care workers continue to provide support to the hospitals in Gaza, but the situation remains dire.
