Burn patients face intense recovery amid drug shortage under Israeli blockade of Gaza
Hamza Abu Shabab, a seven-year-old boy from Gaza, is currently undergoing a painful recovery process after suffering third-degree burns across his head, neck, and shoulders. His injuries were sustained when he accidentally spilled a hot plate of rice and lentils on himself during an Israeli airstrike, causing severe burns to his small body. His mother, Iman Abu Shabab, is by his side at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, tending to his wounds despite the challenges they face due to Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza.
The blockade, which has been in place for three months, has severely limited the availability of essential supplies such as medicine, food, and fuel in Gaza. As a result, hospitals and clinics across the region are struggling to treat patients, especially those with burn injuries. Burn cases have surged in recent weeks, with the number of patients at Nasser Hospital increasing fivefold since the resumption of Israeli bombardment in mid-March.
Patients like Hamza and four-year-old Layan Ibrahim Sahloul are facing not only the physical pain of their injuries but also the psychological trauma of living in overcrowded tents and shelters without proper access to medical care and nutrition. Layan, who lost her mother and siblings in a recent strike, is malnourished and struggling to heal from her burns. The lack of food and proper nutrition is hindering the recovery process for many patients in Gaza, making them more susceptible to infections and delaying their healing.
The situation in Gaza has been described as a “starvation policy” by rights groups, who have criticized Israel’s blockade as a potential war crime. The United Nations has warned that Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, with essential medicines running out and limited access to medical supplies and personnel. The long-term prospects for burn patients in Gaza are also concerning, as reconstructive surgery and ongoing care are difficult to come by.
Despite the challenges they face, families like the Abu Shababs and the al-Khazandars are doing their best to care for their loved ones and help them heal. With limited resources and access to medical treatment, they are relying on the resilience and strength of their communities to support them through this difficult time. As the blockade continues and the situation in Gaza deteriorates, it is crucial for the international community to step in and provide the necessary aid and support to ensure the health and well-being of the people of Gaza.
