A nurse from Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) working at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza has reported scenes of pandemonium amidst an intensifying Israeli offensive in the region.
The hospital, located in Deir al-Balah, is currently operating at three times its clinical capacity. Since Tuesday, it has received over 300 wounded patients and 70 bodies, including victims of an Israeli airstrike on a United Nations-run school that was sheltering thousands of displaced individuals.
The MSF nurse, Karin Huster, described a significant escalation of hostilities across the Gaza Strip over the past 48 hours. She highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict, with hospitals, refugee camps, and humanitarian warehouses being targeted in bombings, painting a grim picture of the situation as 'apocalyptic.'
At Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, Huster recounted the harrowing scenes she encountered, including a man mourning the loss of his family members within the past day. The hospital, despite facing overwhelming challenges, has dealt with a staggering number of casualties, with over 70 dead bodies and more than 300 critically injured patients being treated.
Upon entering the emergency room, Huster was struck by the overpowering smell of blood and the sight of patients lying on the floor, outside, and in makeshift extensions of the department. The hospital staff worked tirelessly to manage the influx of patients, with families grieving over their loved ones and praying for their recovery.
Huster emphasized the emotional toll of the situation, describing it as 'emotionally overwhelming' and 'difficult' for all involved.
