War in Gaza was like a 'science fiction movie': MSF's Dr Mohammed Abu Mughaiseeb • FRANCE 24

Key Concepts

• MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders): An international humanitarian medical non-governmental organization.
• Gaza Strip: A Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Medical Coordinator: A role responsible for overseeing medical operations and staff.
• Military Escalation: Periods of increased conflict and violence.
• Health System Fragility: A healthcare system characterized by shortages, limited resources, and difficulties in access.
• Displacement: The forced movement of people from their homes.
• Air Strike: An attack by aircraft, typically involving bombs or missiles.
• Amputation: The surgical removal of a limb.
• Ceasefire: An agreement to stop fighting.

Pre-October 2023 Gaza: A Fragile Stability

Dr. Muhammad Abu Magazib, Deputy Director and Medical Coordinator for MSF operations in Palestine, has worked in Gaza for over 20 years. He arrived in Gaza in 2000, seeking to connect with his family's origins, having been born and raised in Kuwait. He established his medical career with MSF in Gaza.

Prior to October 2023, life in Gaza was characterized by a lack of stability, marked by recurring military escalations between Hamas and Israel in 2008, 2012, 2014, and 2018. Despite these conflicts, there was a sense of ongoing life and hope. However, the healthcare system was inherently fragile due to restrictions on movement and travel, leading to shortages of essential drugs and medical supplies.

Post-October 2023: Unprecedented Destruction

The situation in Gaza drastically changed after October 7, 2023, described by Dr. Abu Magazib as a 360-degree reversal. He states, "I never seen in my life. I was in the Gulf War before I was in I mean in Gaza different metal escalation but after 7th of October you know this is I only I saw this in science fiction movies." The scale of destruction impacted every aspect of life, including water, food, buildings, and infrastructure. He describes Gaza as a "land of rebels now."

Impact on Healthcare Workers and Hospitals

The conflict has made daily life and work intensely difficult for medical professionals. Healthcare workers are part of the general population, experiencing displacement, starvation, and the struggle for basic necessities. They work under conditions where hospitals, which should not be targeted, are frequently attacked.

Dr. Abu Magazib recounts the immense stress and fear faced by medical staff, who leave behind displaced families and worry about their safety. He describes colleagues receiving news of injured or killed family members, including children, while operating on patients. Hospitals operated with severely limited resources, sometimes performing surgeries on the ground due to full operating rooms. They faced a shortage of painkillers, leading to amputations without anesthesia. The influx of patients, sometimes 100 at once, created a chaotic environment where staff attempted to save as many lives as possible.

Hospitals as Shelters and Allegations of Hamas Shielding

Regarding allegations that hospitals are used to shield Hamas fighters, Dr. Abu Magazib states, "Look I mean seeing fighters and resistant groups or whatever they are calling them. I mean no I you could see security people. Yes, there is security in the hospital. I mean they could be police of Hamas but this is not an excuse to bump the hospital." He argues that even if a wanted individual is present, it does not justify targeting a hospital and killing hundreds of people. He emphasizes that during the war, hospitals served as shelters for patients, their families, and medical staff.

Personal Evacuation and Mixed Emotions

Dr. Abu Magazib was among the "luckiest" to evacuate his family to Cairo in February 2024 after five months of suffering in Gaza. He remained in Gaza until he was evacuated by the Irish government in September. His evacuation brought a mix of emotions: happiness at reuniting with his family after losing hope, and profound sadness at leaving behind everything – memories, history, friends, colleagues, and his community. He was instructed to leave with only the clothes on his back, a mobile phone, charger, and minimal cash.

The Fragility of "Ceasefire"

Despite the announcement of a ceasefire, Dr. Abu Magazib describes it as a "sorry fake ceasefire." He reports that since its announcement, over 370 people have been killed and 900 injured, with 60% being children and women. He asserts, "this is not ceasefire at all." He expresses a hope for a "real ceasefire or stop of this war" because the people of Gaza desire peace, life, and the opportunity to rebuild.

Conclusion

Dr. Muhammad Abu Magazib's testimony highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on Gaza, particularly on its healthcare system and population. He underscores the unprecedented destruction, the immense suffering of medical professionals and civilians, and the critical need for a genuine cessation of hostilities to allow for peace and rebuilding. His book, "Gaza Hell," further documents these experiences.