A doctor who was caring for patients at Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza has expressed grave concerns about the fate of two severely malnourished siblings who are currently trapped inside the hospital without proper care and medication.
The siblings, 15-year-old Rafiq Dughmosh and his 13-year-old sister Rafif Dughmosh, had both undergone amputations following an Israeli airstrike on their home that tragically claimed the lives of their mother and 10 other relatives. The Israeli military's siege on the hospital has further exacerbated their already dire situation.
Dr. Ali Alghaliz, who had been treating the siblings at Al-Shifa, was not present at the hospital when the siege began. He revealed that the siblings, who were left without a guardian, have not received any food, medication, or wound dressings for over a week.
Rafiq, in particular, has developed bed sores due to the lack of care, prompting concerns about potential septic shock that could prove fatal. The doctor shared that Rafiq expressed feelings of desperation, stating, 'I feel I'm going to die.'
Alghaliz emphasized the urgent need for the siblings to be evacuated to receive the necessary medical attention they require. Despite his emotional response to Rafiq's distress, he acknowledged the limitations imposed by the current circumstances.
The situation at Al-Shifa Hospital underscores the critical humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where innocent civilians, including vulnerable children like Rafiq and Rafif, are bearing the brunt of the ongoing conflict. Immediate intervention is imperative to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of those trapped in the midst of violence and devastation.
