British Doctor in Gaza Describes Horror as People Starve and Tells World Leaders to “Do Something”
A British doctor working in Gaza has urged world leaders to “stop talking and do something” as he described the horrific conditions in the region, where people are starving and the “massive extent of destruction” is evident.
Dr Tom Potokar, a British surgeon, has compared Gaza to a “slaughterhouse” due to the bombardment by Israeli forces. He is part of a group of British specialist doctors and surgeons currently working in Khan Younis.
According to Sky News, Dr Potokar and his team have been working in Nasser and Amal hospitals, two of the last functioning hospitals in southern Gaza. The team includes plastic surgeons and orthopaedic specialists who are working tirelessly to treat the wounded.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with all patients being malnourished and children suffering the worst. The lack of food and water has made them weak and more vulnerable to their injuries. Sky News reported that the doctors sleep and spend downtime in small living quarters within the hospital itself, with food being one ready meal a day, only 400 calories.
The 11-week blockade is affecting everyone, and Dr Potokar has seen a dramatic change since he was last in Gaza shortly after the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023. He stated that “the difference this time is the intensity” and that “Khan Younis looks like Stalingrad”.
Speaking about what he has witnessed in Gaza, Dr Potokar added: “What can you say, it’s horrific, it’s a slaughterhouse. That’s what it is, it’s a slaughterhouse.” He also urged world leaders to “stop talking and do something”.
The United Nations says 100 aid trucks were cleared for entry into Gaza on Tuesday, but Tom Fletcher, a former British diplomat who now heads the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, warned that 14,000 babies could die in the next 48 hours if they don’t receive urgent aid.
Dr Victoria Rose, a plastic surgeon, and Dr Graeme Groom, an orthopaedic surgeon, also shared their experiences working in Gaza. Dr Rose said: “An evacuation order for most of Khan Younis went out today, which meant we lost several members of the team.” Dr Groom added: “These are people just like you and me, they have their homes, their families, they live normal lives, many are very impressive people and without notice they have to pick up a grab bag and leave… look for food, look for water, look for shelter, but turn up at work each day”.
With the Israeli military operation getting closer, the doctors are also prepared to evacuate at short notice. Essential supplies have been gathered and packed ready in a storeroom. However, Nasser hospital has the last remaining ICU department in the whole of southern Gaza – one of only two with a working oxygen supply. If it must be evacuated, then the remaining temporary field hospitals would likely be overwhelmed and unable to cope.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, Dr Potokar’s plea to world leaders is clear: “stop talking and do something”. The international community must take action to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in a massive extent of destruction, with many lives lost and countless more at risk. The situation is dire, and it is imperative that world leaders take immediate action to address the crisis.
According to Sky News, the British doctors in Gaza are doing everything they can to help, but they need the support of the international community to make a meaningful difference.
The crisis in Gaza is a humanitarian emergency that requires an immediate response from the international community. The situation is dire, and it is imperative that world leaders take action to address the crisis.
Dr Potokar’s account of the situation in Gaza is a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the impact it has on civilians. His plea to world leaders to “stop talking and do something” is a call to action that cannot be ignored.
In conclusion, the situation in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis that requires immediate attention from the international community. The British doctors working in Gaza, led by Dr Tom Potokar, are doing everything they can to help, but they need the support of world leaders to make a meaningful difference.
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