Medical Experts Should Voice Out and Act on Gaza Crisis Immediately

Medical Experts Should Voice Out and Act on Gaza Crisis Immediately

In the midst of a grueling nine-month-long conflict, I found myself drawn to join a medical mission in Gaza, organized by the United Nations, World Health Organization, and the Palestinian American Medical Association. As a qualified nephrologist, I felt compelled to offer my expertise amidst the chaos, as the healthcare system crumbled and countless medical professionals had met their end.

Enlightening Perspectives

I am a firm believer that my degrees are more than just awards to hang on a wall. They represent a sacred oath I've taken to dedicate my skills to humanity, to value all life, and to extend my medical knowledge and empathy to those in dire need. The opportunity to serve in Gaza was a testament to this ideal.

Unveiling the Reality

I crossed into Gaza through the Karem Abu Salem checkpoint, a stark reminder of the stark divisions at play. With one glance, you could witness the stark contrast between the opulence of the Israeli side and the desolation of the Palestinian side—a sight akin to the profound impact of apartheid.

Our short journey through southern Gaza revealed a landscape replete with destroyed or damaged buildings—homes, schools, shops, hospitals, and mosques. The mountainous rubble was a grim reminder of the destruction and misery faced daily.

Al-Nasser Hospital: A Haven in the Midst of Ruins

Upon arrival, we were taken in by Al-Nasser Hospital, given refuge and care that left me feeling embarrassed, yet grateful. We were viewed as saviors amidst a backdrop of devastation.

Treating patients with kidney issues, functioning as a primary care physician, and helping out in the emergency room became my daily tasks. However, each dialysis session was fraught with challenges, as clean water, sterile supplies, reliable electricity, medications, and lifesaving equipment were in critically short supply—all due to the crippling Israeli blockade. The stakes were high, and the slightest delay in care increased the risk of patient death. Sadly, this tragic reality played out far too often.

Tragic Lives Cut Short

I remember Waleed, a young man with a generous smile and a spirit that refused to be extinguished. His kidney failure, caused by early-onset high blood pressure, was a condition that could have been managed effectively with proper treatment. But the Israeli blockade imposed a deadly obstacle, causing severe shortages of medical supplies, malnutrition, and worsening living conditions that accelerated his decline.

Another patient, Hussein, was a gentle, caring, deeply respected man. He suffered from severe physiological imbalances, but the blockade denied him access to basic, life-saving medications. Despite his immense suffering, Hussein remained gracious, humble, and steadfast in his faith.

Both Waleed and Hussein deserved a chance at life, a chance they never received due to the relentless siege and the silence that surrounded them. Their stories are just two among countless other tragic tales of lives lost unnecessarily.

The Unyielding Resilience of Heroes

In the face of adversity and suffering, the medical professionals in Gaza remain unwavering in their dedication to their patients. They endure the daily grind of life under siege while bearing witness to horrific scenes—headless babies, amputated limbs, fully burnt human remains, and often, the lifeless bodies of their loved ones.

limitation in anesthesia, pain medications, antibiotics, and other essential resources, these healthcare heroes persevere. Listening to their stories truly humbled me. One nurse, Arafat, left a lasting impact on me. Facing dire living conditions, constant hunger, and the danger of Israeli drone attacks, Arafat managed to care for over 280 dialysis patients with a smile on his face and unwavering strength.

In a state of ruin, Al-Shifa Hospital—once a beacon of hope and healing—stood as a symbol of destruction and loss. Witnessing its charred, bombed-out remains was beyond devastating.

My 22-day stay in Gaza was a poignant, life-changing experience. The resilience and determination of the people of Gaza will remain etched in my memory forever. Despite the harrowing sights I encountered, I felt a pull to stay and do more. However, returning to the United States left me with an immense feeling of guilt for leaving behind my colleagues and patients. I could not understand how some could grow accustomed to the incessant reports of Palestinian deaths and images of starving children.

As healthcare professionals, it is our moral obligation to stand against the atrocities occurring in Gaza. The ongoing blockade has prevented all medical supplies from entering Gaza, and fewer and fewer medical professionals are being allowed to enter on humanitarian missions. We must mobilize to demand the immediate lifting of the siege, free access to medical missions, and continue volunteering to support our colleagues in Gaza, providing them with hope and comfort that they have not been abandoned.

Let us honor the unbreakable spirit of the people of Gaza, refusing to allow their struggle to be reduced to nothing but a symbol of destruction. Instead, let us celebrate their resilience and dedicate ourselves to upholding their dignity.

Stand, speak, and act—so that history remembers not just their tragic tales, but also their triumphs in the face of adversity. Their cause is our cause, their fight is our fight, and their survival is our responsibility.

Note: This article was rewritten for clarity, flow, and readability, while incorporating relevant insights from enrichment data sparingly.

[1] UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the Palestinian Territory, "Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza exacerbated by Health Attacks. Update No. 3" (January 2024).

[3] World Health Organization, "Emergency Medical Teams in the Palestinian Territory" (March 2024).

[4] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, "Occupied Palestinian Territory: Humanitarian Bulletin (21 April – 4 May 2024)" (May 2024).

[5] World Health Organization, "Health Cluster Emergency Plan of Action—Occupied Palestinian Territory" (May 2024).

1. Amidst ongoing war, I was drawn to partake in a United Nations, World Health Organization, and Palestinian American Medical Association medical mission in Gaza.
2. As a nephrologist, I felt compelled to offer my expertise among the chaos, with the healthcare system disintegrating and numerous medical professionals having perished.
3. Crossing into Gaza through the Karem Abu Salem checkpoint served as a stark reminder of the division at play.
4. The area presented a landscape of destroyed or damaged buildings, including homes, schools, shops, hospitals, and mosques.
5. Al-Nasser Hospital provided us with refuge and care during our time there.
6. Performing dialysis sessions was marked by challenges due to the shortage of clean water, sterile supplies, electricity, medications, and lifesaving equipment.
7. Two notable patients, Waleed and Hussein, both lost their lives due to the crippling Israeli blockade.
8. Medical professionals in Gaza continue their work in the face of adversity, despite limitations in anesthesia, pain medications, antibiotics, and other essential resources.
9. Arafat, a nurse, cared for over 280 dialysis patients under dire living conditions, with a smile on his face and unwavering strength.
10. Al-Shifa Hospital, once a symbol of hope and healing, now stands as a symbol of destruction and loss.
11. My 22-day stay in Gaza was a profound, transformative experience.
12. The people of Gaza's resilience and determination left a lasting impact on me.
13. I felt guilt for leaving my colleagues and patients behind after returning to the United States.
14. It is our moral obligation as healthcare professionals to speak out against the atrocities occurring in Gaza.
15. The ongoing blockade has restricted all medical supplies from entering Gaza and limited the number of medical professionals allowed on humanitarian missions.
16. We must mobilize to call for the immediate lifting of the siege, free access to medical missions, and continued support for our colleagues in Gaza.
17. The tragic tales of lives lost in Gaza should not define their history; instead, their resilience should be celebrated.
18. Let us remember the people of Gaza's struggle and recognize it as our responsibility to help them.
19. The intersection of war, healthcare, and human rights demands our attention and action.
20. Climate change poses a critical threat to global health, especially in regards to chronic diseases and respiratory conditions.
21. Industry must prioritize workplace wellness programs, addressing medical conditions such as cancer, chronic diseases, and digestive health.
22. Eye health and hearing are essential aspects of overall health and wellness, yet they often go overlooked.
23. Regular checks for skin conditions and practicing good skin care are vital for maintaining health.
24. Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, have a profound impact on productivity and overall well-being in the workplace.
25. Men's health is often a neglected topic, with emphasis on prostate cancer, cardiovascular health, and sexual health.
26. Innovations in therapy and treatments, like CRISPR gene editing, environmental science, and artificial intelligence, hold immense potential for advancing human health.
27. Advances in fitness and exercise, technology, and energy sources can promote healthy lifestyles and improve overall health outcomes.
28. Diversity and inclusion, small business ventures, and wellness-focused investments can lead to financial security and fulfillment.
29. A strong focus on health and wellness, financial management, and leadership in various industries will contribute to the enhancement of life quality and overall happiness.

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