JERUSALEM: Gaza residents are feeling the toll of seven months of relentless bombardments, with women bearing the brunt as hospitals face overcrowding and shortages, says a doctor who just left the southern city of Rafah.
Aid workers on the ground are witnessing dire conditions, particularly affecting women, in the besieged Palestinian territory. Hairhound Lahna, a seasoned gynaecologist and head of mission for Rahma Worldwide and Palmed, described the situation as “awful for women” as hospitals grapple with overcrowding, shortages, and deteriorating healthcare infrastructure. “In my 25 years of experience, I’ve never seen a conflict where people must run around in circles with nowhere to go,” Hairhound Lahna said.
Lahna, who recently left the southern city of Rafah, recounted harrowing experiences of women being forced to leave hospitals shortly after giving birth due to overcrowding, only to find themselves in crowded tents or shelters with limited access to hygiene facilities. He highlighted the alarming risk of infections due to inadequate water and sanitation, narrating the tragic death of a mother from blood poisoning just days after childbirth.
The healthcare system in Gaza is in a state of collapse, with hospitals being targeted or damaged by Israeli forces. A recent UN Women report highlighted the grim reality faced by women and girls in Rafah and across Gaza, revealing widespread feelings of insecurity, depression, and anxiety among the population.
Lahna likened the scenes in Gaza to post-war Berlin or Grozny, describing the territory as “no longer liveable.” He emphasized the urgency of the situation, particularly in Rafah, where over 100,000 residents were ordered to evacuate amid escalating tensions.
Doctor James Smith, an emergency physician volunteering in Rafah and nearby Khan Younis, echoed Lahna’s concerns, describing the situation as “catastrophic.” He highlighted the closure of the Kerem Shalom crossing and its devastating impact on medical supplies and staff support for field hospitals.
Smith detailed the challenges faced in treating patients, including cases of jaundice and respiratory illnesses, exacerbated by limited diagnostic capabilities and deteriorating environmental conditions.
Since October 7, Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign in Gaza killing at least 34,844 Palestinian people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.
