Gaza Doctor Describes Horrors: 'Like a Science Fiction Movie'

Life in Gaza Before October 2023

• 🌍 Dr. Mohammed Abu Mughaiseeb, an MSF deputy medical coordinator, has worked in Gaza for over 20 years, originally visiting to connect with his family's heritage.
• 🏥 Even before the recent conflict, life in Gaza was unstable, marked by periodic military escalations and a fragile health system with shortages of drugs and medical items.
• ✈️ Movement and travel were significantly restricted, making it difficult for essential supplies and personnel to enter or leave.

The Devastation Since October 2023

• 💥 The situation post-October 7th is described as a 360-degree change, unlike anything seen before, even compared to the Gulf War.
• 🎬 The destruction and targeting of infrastructure, water, food, and buildings are likened to scenes from science fiction movies.
• 💔 Medical staff faced immense personal suffering, with their own families displaced and starving, while still trying to work under extreme conditions.

Challenges in Gaza's Hospitals

• 🏥 Hospitals and medical staff were frequently targeted, despite being essential for treating the injured and displaced population.
• 🩸 Operations were conducted on the hospital floor due to a lack of space, and amputations were performed without painkillers due to severe shortages.
• 🚑 Hospitals were overwhelmed, with 100 patients arriving at once, creating a chaotic environment where staff tried to save as many lives as possible.

Hospitals as Shelters and Targeted Sites

• 🛡️ While acknowledging the presence of security personnel, Dr. Mughaiseeb refutes the idea that this justifies bombing hospitals.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Hospitals served as shelters for patients, their families, and medical staff, and targeting them is seen as unacceptable, regardless of any alleged presence of combatants.

Evacuation and Mixed Emotions

• ✈️ Dr. Mughaiseeb was among the fortunate to evacuate his family to Cairo in February 2024 after five months of suffering.
• 😔 He himself was evacuated in September, experiencing mixed emotions of relief at reuniting with his family and sadness at leaving everything behind, including possessions, colleagues, and community.
• 🚫 Evacuees were only allowed to take the clothes they were wearing, a mobile phone, charger, and minimal cash, leaving behind all memories and belongings.

The Fragile Ceasefire and Hope for Peace

• 🕊️ The current situation is described as a 'fake ceasefire', with continued casualties, including a high percentage of women and children.
• 🙏 Dr. Mughaiseeb expresses a strong hope for a real ceasefire and an end to the war, allowing the people of Gaza to rebuild their lives and what has been destroyed.