In brief
As Gaza faces relentless violence and destruction, medic Dr. Mohammed Abu Mughaisib reflects on his two years of service in dire conditions. Recently evacuated to Ireland, he reveals how his colleagues endure starvation while tending to patients. With hospitals overwhelmed and resources depleted, he recalls the difficult choices made daily in a desperate struggle to save lives amidst chaos.
Dr. Mohammed Abu Mughaisib, a dedicated medic from Gaza, recently shared his heart-wrenching experiences after being evacuated to Ireland. For the past two years, he dedicated himself to treating patients under extreme conditions as Israel's military offensive devastated Gaza’s medical infrastructure.
In an emotional interview, he recounted the physical and emotional toll of working in hospitals that are operating under dire shortages of food and medical supplies. 'I never imagined starving,' Dr. Abu Mughaisib confessed, highlighting the psychological struggle faced by medical professionals who themselves are fighting hunger while striving to save others.
During his time in Gaza, the medic often found that the only topic of conversation among colleagues was food, as they battled with malnutrition while tending to patients suffering from severe injuries. 'Starving doctors were treating malnutrition,' he lamented, illustrating the absurdity and tragedy of their situation.
The high casualty rates from the ongoing conflict—over 18,000 reported deaths, with a significant number being children—reflect the catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. Dr. Abu Mughaisib described not just the physical destruction of the hospitals but also the emotional devastation, stating, 'We are the ones who were killed and injured, running from one place to another, and starving.'
Now in a peaceful park in Dublin, he feels a profound disconnect as he grapples with the privilege of safety while being acutely aware of the suffering of his colleagues and patients back home. 'I'm physically here but my heart and soul are in Gaza,' he said, struggling to acclimate to a life devoid of conflict. 'I can’t eat a proper meal when I know my colleagues are suffering.'
As he reflects on his journey, Dr. Abu Mughaisib expresses hope for the future healing of Gaza but acknowledges the immense challenges ahead, stating, 'The wounds are not just physical; they are social, psychological, emotional, and spiritual.' He underscores the need for global support in rebuilding the lives shattered by the conflict, hoping for a brighter day for his people.
