1/ My husband is part of the 1st team of US physicians to enter #Gaza on a medical mission in Khan Younis.
While many Palestinians have been dealing with this feeling for over 80 days, the past 24 hours have been so difficult without hearing from him until this morning.
While many Palestinians have been dealing with this feeling for over 80 days, the past 24 hours have been so difficult without hearing from him until this morning.
2/ He is keeping a mini journal and I am posting it here.
“Day 1 (Monday): 12 hrs journey to Rafah crossing. 11 Egyptian checkpoints. Painful process at each check point.”
“Day 1 (Monday): 12 hrs journey to Rafah crossing. 11 Egyptian checkpoints. Painful process at each check point.”
3/ “As we got closer to the crossing, miles & miles of 18-wheelers on 4 sides of the highway. The most inefficient way to transfer aid. Days to get food and supplies across. Sometimes 1-2 weeks. By the time the trucks cross the border, the food is spoiled.”
4/ “Day 2 (Tuesday): crossed Rafah. Overwhelming welcome. Total devastation observed as we drove.
Sea of refugees & displaced families living in the premises of the 2 hospitals we visited.”
Sea of refugees & displaced families living in the premises of the 2 hospitals we visited.”
5/ “People are living in the hospitals thinking these places are their best bet for safety. Over 100,000 in & outside the hospital. Scores of injured people from mild to severe injuries. Exhausted staff. Fooling quiet time during the daytime with no sound of bombing or shooting.”
6/ “Felt safe for few hours.
Started operating on several burst fractures & head injuries.
By sunset, the bombarding started & went on non stop all night. So close only 2 miles away.”
Started operating on several burst fractures & head injuries.
By sunset, the bombarding started & went on non stop all night. So close only 2 miles away.”
7/ “The first bombing was so violent, I fell off my stepstool & the whole OR shook so bad. But we kept operating non-stop. The noise of drones, machine guns & bombing non stop all night but after 4 hours in the night, I became jaded to it.”
8/ “Finally finished operating & now to eat a couple bites.
People live & sleep in the hallway of hospitals. As I made my way to lay down, I could not walk in the hallway as people are sleeping on the floor.”
People live & sleep in the hallway of hospitals. As I made my way to lay down, I could not walk in the hallway as people are sleeping on the floor.”
9/ “Finally fell asleep for 2 hours but woke up every up 5 minutes with the violent shaking of the hospital building.
Now, up & time to help.”
Now, up & time to help.”
10/ “My sweetheart daughter (7.5 year old) on her own bought toys & lollipops for the Palestinian kids as Christmas gifts. I gave a few of them to the injured kids & the smile on their face was very priceless. They are so grateful.”
11/ “People are exhausted & emotionally drained. They need hope.
This mission is of a peace.”
This mission is of a peace.”
12/ Please pray for Gaza, for the Palestinians, for my husband.
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