An American doctor on Sunday detailed deteriorating medical facilities and dwindling supplies in Gaza, calling it “incomparable” to various other combat zones where she has worked.
Nareen Ahmed, a critical care specialist from Pennsylvania, reflected on her two weeks working in Nasir, Gaza Strip. during the interview on CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” published Sunday.
“A large number of casualties are coming in waves.” [the] hospital. It happens at least three or four times a night,” Ahmed said, adding later. Due to unavailability of supplies, deaths are occurring in completely treatable conditions. ”
Ahmed told CBS News that the situation in Gaza is worsening due to shortages of medicine and supplies.
“It’s a basic medical treatment. It’s a painkiller. Some people have their limbs amputated without anesthesia,” she said. “That’s what we see every day. And I can tell you that what we put into the pipeline by the time it gets to Gaza often takes weeks or even months. .”
When asked how the situation in Gaza compares to other war zones where he has worked, Ahmed replied: I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many children affected in any other conflict zone I’ve been to. ”
Her comments echo other recent warnings from humanitarian agencies, including the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), who last week called the enclave a “death zone”.
More than 29,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas began in early October. The war was sparked by Hamas’ surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages.
Calls for a ceasefire in the conflict have grown in recent weeks as the death toll continues to rise in the Gaza Strip, which has been controlled by Hamas since 2007. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanthov has largely rejected these calls, insisting that it would be a “victory” for Hamas if the Israeli military does not eliminate it.
Mr. Ahmed also spoke about his experience operating and providing medical treatment to the injured while the area surrounding the medical facility was affected by fighting.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this close to the sound of a missile attack. While I was in the intensive care unit going into surgery, the house shook and the hospital shook,” she said, later adding. It’s like a medical mission mode. That is, we are completely focused on what is in front of us, whether the bomb goes off or not. Is it scary? yes of course. Do we think about it after the fact? absolutely. “
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