Gaza Trauma: Surgeon Details Devastation
Orthopaedic specialist recounts horrific injuries and desperate conditions
An orthopaedic surgeon working in Gaza describes the relentless cycle of intense bombing and the critical care provided at the Nasser hospital, the largest functioning medical facility in the territory.
Daily Grind Amidst Destruction
Dr. Graeme Groom, a co-founder of the charity Ideals, has made approximately 40 trips to Gaza, with several visits since October 7, 2023. He details a grim routine where the day begins between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. with the sounds of explosions, followed by the arrival of patients with limbs mangled by bombs and gunfire. His team, averaging 20 surgical cases daily, treats a significant number of children and women.
A Young Life Shattered
On a recent visit, Groom’s team treated 11-year-old Adam al-Najjar, who had lost nine siblings and his father in an Israeli airstrike on his Khan Younis home. The boy, found in critical condition, had his arm saved from amputation by Groom and his colleagues. Adam, who spoke fluent English and possessed an “angelic smile,” was later evacuated to Italy. Groom noted the difficulty in assessing the long-term psychological impact of his immense loss.
The United Nations reported on July 16 that over 17,000 children have been killed and 33,000 injured in the 21-month conflict. The scale of trauma is immense, with countless stories like Adam‘s remaining untold.
Heartbreaking Testimonies
Groom also recalled seven-year-old Yakub, an orphan of a bombing attack whose legs were severely fractured. The surgeon described the heartbreaking sound of the boy crying for his deceased mother while he was documenting the operation. Another case involved a mother and her three-year-old daughter caught in an explosion; the child lost both legs, and the mother sustained severe arm injuries, though she is now regaining function in one arm.
A recent report indicates a threefold increase in severe malnutrition among children under five in Gaza City within two weeks, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis. Charity MSF, 2025
Challenges in Care and Supplies
Patients are often discharged to makeshift shelters without adequate rehabilitation, facing challenges with wound healing due to malnutrition and high infection rates. Despite these difficulties, Groom praised the dedication of his Palestinian colleagues, stating their efforts significantly reduce mortality and long-term disability. However, bringing essential medical supplies, such as delicate surgical instruments and orthopaedic frames, has become exceptionally difficult, with the Ideals charity facing bans on transporting vital equipment.
Apocalyptic Destruction and Resilience
The surgeon described the current level of destruction in Gaza as “apocalyptic,” a stark contrast to previous conflicts. Many of his colleagues have been displaced multiple times, often losing family members. They live in challenging conditions, yet consistently report for duty clean and composed, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Groom noted that many of his colleagues express a simple desire: “They just want the bombing to stop.”
A Plea for Action
Groom has lobbied policymakers in Europe, urging increased Western pressure on Israel. While met with empathy, he perceives a sense of powerlessness among officials. Following his testimonies, the European Commission has proposed a partial suspension of Israel’s participation in an EU research program, a potential punitive measure that requires member state agreement to proceed.
