A radiographer working in Gaza reflects on life since the start of the war

It has been almost three years since the war in Gaza started, and the radiography teams here are still suffering. I have worked day and night since the start of the events, and many hospitals are still out of service because of the destruction that has disrupted services to patients.

Everything that happens here is completely different to the rest of the world. Patients are suffering, and there are not enough people to provide treatment in hospitals in Gaza.

The radiology department in Abu Yousef Al-Najjar Hospital (destroyed)

Radiology services have been seriously disrupted, with much equipment destroyed, which has affected the staff’s ability to care for patients. The emergency rooms are crowded, and it is painful to see.

The rear building of the radiology department was targeted by a warplane missile

The rear building of the radiology department was targeted by a warplane missile

Radiographers are also struggling to buy food and clothes, even though this should be a right.

All we can do is develop temporary solutions with the support of international medical organisations, such as building hospitals made of wood, nylon or plastic, or using caravans or tents, to try to give medical teams a place to work.

We thought one solution might be to build a mobile hospital, but it is very difficult as there is no external medical imaging department. The financial conditions also make it difficult.

Medical treatment from inside tents of a field hospital

Medical treatment from inside tents of a field hospital

Heavy rain has caused the flooding of a field hospital in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, which has impeded the provision of medical services. Patients’ beds and medical devices have been photographed surrounded by rainwater. The scene below reflects the great challenges faced by health facilities, particularly during harsh weather conditions. Medical staff are still trying to work under these difficult conditions.

I want to thank everyone who has helped in Gaza, including the civil organisations, charities and international institutions that stand with the Palestinian people. They are heroes who work day and night, and they should be honoured.

I am grateful for the opportunity to write this article to share my experiences, and I would like to thank the Society of Radiographers and SoR president Katie Thompson.

Now I am waiting for the opportunity for me and my family to leave Gaza for Egypt via the Rafah crossing. It will be a difficult journey, but I hope it will be soon.

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