Displaced Palestinians are seeking refuge at the European Hospital in Khan Younis, but the constant echoes of explosions remain an unsettling presence. This information was reported by AFP via Getty Images.


January 17, 2024

Canadian eye surgeon, Dr. Yasser Khan, recently shared his harrowing experience of treating victims in Gaza during Israel's offensive against Hamas. The ophthalmologist, based in Greater Toronto, volunteered with U.S.-based NGO Rahma Worldwide, coordinated with the World Health Organization, and worked at the European Hospital in Khan Younis for seven days.

Dr. Khan described removing shrapnel from the shattered eyeballs of children, some as young as two, highlighting the toll on civilians. He recounted an incident where a six-year-old girl named Aseel, who lost family members in an Israeli airstrike, had a sizable piece of concrete shrapnel in her eye socket. The surgeon expressed deep empathy, noting the drastic impact on Aseel's life.

The medical mission revealed unprecedented suffering, with patients, including children and women, arriving with severe injuries—limbs lost, head trauma, and faces marked by shrapnel. Dr. Khan emphasized the distressing scenes of red dots on faces, each representing steel, wood, or concrete fragments.

Gaza, a region facing an estimated 24,000 Palestinian casualties, has witnessed extensive displacement, with 85% of the population (1.9 million people) internally displaced. The UN warns of an imminent risk of famine due to Israel's blockade, restricting access to food, clean water, and fuel.

International pressure on Israel to halt its military campaign has increased, with South Africa alleging genocide at the International Court of Justice. Canada expressed support for the ICJ's role but clarified its position on the case.

Dr. Khan revealed the hospital's challenging conditions, now a refuge for thousands of displaced people. The facility, overwhelmed with over 1,000 patients, struggles with limited resources, and only 13 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza are partially functioning.

The WHO has emphasized the need to protect health facilities, citing worrying hostilities close to medical establishments. Dr. Anas Al-Kassem, another Canadian trauma surgeon returning from Gaza, highlighted treating numerous children among the wounded.

Dr. Khan, despite the emotional toll and security concerns, expressed a willingness to return to Gaza, underscoring the heartbreaking reality faced by those affected. The article sheds light on the dire humanitarian situation, emphasizing the urgency of international intervention and protection for health facilities.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Senate Votes To End Trump-Era Canada Tariffs With Bipartisan Support

Several Republican senators joined Democrats to stop Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada. The vote, held in the Senate, was a....

Webb Telescope Captures Images Of Asteroid Once Seen As A Threat

The Webb Space Telescope has captured images of asteroid 2024 YR4, which once sparked concern when scientists thought it might....

Liberals Hold 8-Point Lead Over Conservatives In New Nanos Poll

The federal Liberals continue to hold an eight-point lead over the Conservatives as the election campaign reaches its 11th day.....

Carney Reconsiders Buying U.S. F-35 Fighter Jets

Prime Minister Mark Carney is reviewing Canada’s decision to buy 88 F-35 fighter jets, each costing $85 million. The government....

Canada Vows Strong Response To Trump Tariffs, Says Carney

U.S. President Donald Trump declared a major tariff plan on what he called “Liberation Day” on Wednesday. The new policy....

Toronto Police Union Calls For Action After Stabbing Suspect Released On Bail

Toronto’s police union is raising concerns after learning that the suspect in three recent random stabbings had previously been released....

Conservatives Drop Montreal Candidate Over Social Media Posts

A Conservative Party candidate in Montreal has been removed after posts he made on social media. Stefan Marquis, who was....

Man Shot And Killed In Car At Busy Brampton Plaza, Police Say

A man lost his life after being shot while sitting in a vehicle at a crowded Brampton plaza on Tuesday....

Cory Booker Sets Record With 25-Hour Senate Speech Criticizing Trump

Senator Cory Booker made history with a 25-hour speech in the Senate, setting a new record while speaking against former....

Poilievre Faces Backlash For Comments On 'Biological Clocks'

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is facing criticism for comments about young people struggling to buy homes before their "biological clocks"....

Susan Crawford Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Despite Musk’s Push

Susan Crawford has won a 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, securing a key victory for liberals. She defeated....

Windsor-Essex May See Up To 50mm Of Rainfall Soon, Flood Watch Issued

Environment Canada has issued a warning about heavy rain expected this week. Forecasters say rainfall could reach 30 to 50....