Australian Doctors Detail Harrowing Conditions, Newborn Rescue at Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital
Gaza City – Two Australian volunteer doctors working at al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest medical facility, have described the desperate conditions they faced amidst ongoing Israeli military operations, including the exceptional effort to save a newborn baby from a mother killed in recent attacks. The doctors’ testimony highlights the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system and the immense human cost of the conflict, which began following Hamas‘s October 7th attack on southern Israel.
Since the launch of the Israeli military campaign in response to the October 7th attacks – in which approximately 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities – Gaza has endured relentless bombardment. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reports at least 65,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since then. Al-Shifa Hospital, once a vital lifeline, has been repeatedly targeted, severely limiting its ability to provide even basic care. The Australian doctors, who have requested anonymity, detailed providing essential services including blood bank operations, traumatological care, cancer treatments, and management of chronic diseases, all while operating under extreme duress.
The doctors recounted the particularly harrowing case of a newborn infant whose mother was fatally wounded. Facing imminent death, medical staff performed an emergency Cesarean section, but were unable to save the mother. The doctors then focused all efforts on stabilizing the fragile newborn, providing critical care in a facility struggling with dwindling supplies and constant power outages.The successful rescue underscores the dedication of medical personnel working in impossible circumstances.
the situation at Al-Shifa reflects a broader crisis within Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. The ongoing conflict has crippled medical facilities, leading to shortages of essential medicines, equipment, and personnel. International organizations have repeatedly warned of the catastrophic consequences for civilians, particularly vulnerable populations like newborns and those with chronic illnesses. The doctors’ accounts serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a cessation of hostilities to allow for the rebuilding of Gaza’s shattered healthcare system.
