A Palestinian-Brazilian doctor has denounced the dire situation for health professionals in Gaza, stating that “being a health professional in Gaza is to carry a target on your back.” The powerful statement highlights the extreme danger faced by medical staff working in the besieged enclave, where hospitals and healthcare facilities have been repeatedly targeted in military operations.
The doctor’s account describes a reality of constant fear and unimaginable working conditions. Healthcare workers are not only treating a flood of casualties but are also doing so with limited resources, under the constant threat of being attacked themselves. The targeting of medical personnel and infrastructure has been a significant feature of the conflict, and this testimony underscores the profound human cost of the violence.
The denunciation serves as a critical call to attention for the international community. It raises serious concerns about the protection of civilians and healthcare providers in conflict zones, and the need for accountability for attacks on medical facilities. The doctor’s perspective as a dual national brings an added layer of urgency, as it connects the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to a wider international audience and underscores the shared responsibility to protect human lives.
Sources:
Palestinian-Brazilian doctor speaks out on Gaza – Middle East Eye
Gaza’s healthcare system on the brink of collapse – World Health Organization
Attacks on healthcare in Gaza – Doctors Without Borders
