Interview: "Over the past two months, not a single medication or grain of rice has reached Gaza"
In the heart of the Middle East, the Red Crescent Society is facing unprecedented challenges in Gaza. The blockade of Gaza, identified as the second greatest challenge, has made life the toughest it has ever been in nearly 19 months of war, according to the Red Crescent Society's head.
The society is deeply concerned about the lack of respect towards their symbol and the lives of humanitarian workers. This concern has been brought to light by the murders of fifteen paramedics and rescue workers in three separate shootings near Rafah city on March 23. The bodies of the aid workers were found a week later by officials from the United Nations and Red Crescent, who attribute the killings to Israeli troops.
The targeting of medical centres and the loss of life among medical and rescue personnel have severely impacted the society's operations. Emergency response efforts have been disrupted, and a climate of danger has been created that hinders their ability to provide humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
The society is operating under extreme conditions, with around 60% to 70% of their ambulances being non-operational. The lack of fuel, due to the blockade of Gaza, is a significant contributing factor to this.
Moreover, hospitals in Gaza are conducting operations without anaesthesia, especially amputations. The shortage of medicines for chronic diseases is a pressing issue. To make matters worse, medical crews are using alternatives like Dettol for sterilization due to a lack of supplies.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society head states that Gaza is currently facing extreme conditions, with amputations without anaesthetic, donkeys being used as transportation for patients, and a silent death due to the lack of food. Food, medicine, and fuel have all but run out since Israel cut supplies to Gaza's 2.3 million residents on March 2.
On April 20, the Israeli military conducted a review into the killings and found several professional failures, resulting in a commander's dismissal. However, the blockade of Gaza remains a significant challenge that the Red Crescent Society continues to grapple with.
Despite the adversity, emergency workers in Gaza are working long hours, up to 16 or 17 continuous hours, to provide the best care they can under the circumstances. Their resilience and dedication are a testament to their commitment to humanitarian aid in one of the world's most challenging environments.
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