Life on the Brink: A Gaza Doctor's Daily Battle Against Despair

As violence continues to ravage Gaza, Dr. Wissam Sukkar, a dedicated GP with Médecins Sans Frontières, navigates through the crumbling healthcare system to treat displaced patients with dwindling resources. She details her exhausting battles against malnutrition, diseases, and the emotional toll of living in constant conflict, as healthcare facilities struggle to function.

As dawn breaks in Gaza City, the streets remain marred by destruction, and Dr. Wissam Sukkar prepares for yet another grueling shift at a makeshift Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) clinic. With the scarcity of fuel rendering transportation nearly impossible, Dr. Sukkar traverses the debris-laden landscape for almost an hour to reach her destination, embodying the determination of healthcare workers amidst the dire circumstances.

The healthcare landscape in Gaza has been profoundly impacted by nearly 18 months of turmoil, with only 21 out of 36 hospitals functioning in any capacity. The dire situation is exacerbated by Israel's blockade, which has resulted in critical shortages of medical supplies. As she arrives, Dr. Sukkar surveys the remnants of her previous workplace, a burns clinic that suffered severe damage early in the conflict.

By mid-morning, hundreds of patients crowd the clinic, many of whom are displaced individuals seeking refuge in shelters and tents. “Since the ceasefire’s collapse, the influx of people seeking safety has surged,” Dr. Sukkar explains. With limited access to clean water and food, the health risks for families — especially for children — are alarmingly high. “Viruses spread quickly in shelters,” she notes, observing a rise in common ailments like viral infections, diarrhea, and severe malnutrition.

Conditions have worsened since devastating airstrikes targeted the al-Ahli Arab hospital, rendering it unable to accept new patients. This further crumbles an already strained healthcare system, leaving medical professionals like Dr. Sukkar grappling with challenging cases and diminished resources. "We don't know where to send complicated cases," she admits, highlighting the void left by the disintegration of healthcare services.

As the hours tick by, the clinic sees a reminder of the escalating violence — an older patient arrives, having been redirected after suffering an injury from artillery fire. Dr. Sukkar and her team are overwhelmed, treating hundreds with only a fraction of the necessary supplies left. “We’re running out of insulin, basic medications for pain relief, and treatments for skin infections,” she states, the concern etched on her face as she inventories the meager stock available.

Despite the pressing responsibilities to care for her patients, Dr. Sukkar finds herself in a relentless battle to secure food and water for her own family. Echoing the sentiment of many Gazans, she acknowledges the despair that looms over her existence. “It’s tough to maintain hope,” she shares, distress permeating her voice. “I feel stuck in a never-ending nightmare, yearning for an end to this war.”

As the clinic closes after attending to nearly 400 patients, Dr. Sukkar embarks on the long walk home, carrying with her the weight of her responsibilities, the suffering of her patients, and the uncertainty of her own family’s future in an increasingly chaotic Gaza. In the face of despair, she remains resolute, yet the question lingers — when will this relentless conflict finally cease?