In the war-torn region of Gaza, where the relentless conflict continues to wreak havoc on civilians, a miraculous yet heart-wrenching event unfolded recently. Doctors at Al-Awda Hospital performed an emergency cesarean section to deliver a newborn baby moments after his mother succumbed to injuries sustained in an Israeli airstrike. This harrowing incident sheds light on the dire conditions of childbirth in Gaza amidst ongoing violence and underscores the resilience and dedication of medical professionals working under unimaginable pressure.
On a fateful night, Ola Adnan Harb al-Kurd, nine months pregnant, was critically injured when an airstrike hit her home in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Despite her grave injuries, she managed to survive long enough to be transported to Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza. Upon her arrival, the medical team, led by the head of the obstetrics and gynecology department, Raed al-Saudi, sprang into action. Emergency department doctors quickly assessed her condition and realized that she was on the brink of death.
Surgeon Akram Hussein described the urgency of the situation: “She was almost dead when she arrived.” The medical team detected a faint heartbeat of the fetus, prompting them to call in a team of obstetricians and surgeons. An emergency cesarean section was performed, and the baby, named Malek Yassin, was delivered safely. Unfortunately, Ola al-Kurd did not survive the ordeal.
Ola al-Kurd’s death was part of a broader wave of violence that has engulfed the Gaza Strip. In the same 24-hour period, at least 30 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes, including six members of one family in a neighborhood north of Gaza City. The Nuseirat refugee camp, where Ola lived, was also heavily targeted, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people overnight. Among the victims were four children who were injured while playing on a roof, with one child requiring an amputation.
Ola’s husband was also wounded in the missile attack that struck their home, further compounding the family’s tragedy. Baby Malek, born under such tragic circumstances, faced significant medical challenges upon delivery. He was in critical condition and required immediate stabilization, including oxygen and intensive medical care. Despite the overwhelming odds, the medical team at Al-Awda Hospital managed to stabilize him, offering a glimmer of hope amid the devastation.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has made childbirth increasingly perilous for expectant mothers. The near-daily airstrikes and ground offensives severely hamper access to healthcare facilities. Pregnant women who manage to reach hospitals often find them overwhelmed and under-resourced. Humanitarian groups have repeatedly highlighted the dire state of Gaza’s healthcare system, which has been stretched to breaking point.
According to UN agencies, the number of available hospital beds in Gaza has dwindled from 3,500 before the war to just 1,500, serving a population of over two million people. The shortage of medical supplies, equipment, and staff further exacerbates the situation, making it nearly impossible to provide adequate care to all those in need.
Despite the numerous challenges, the medical professionals in Gaza continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and dedication. The team at Al-Awda Hospital, including obstetricians, surgeons, and emergency department doctors, worked tirelessly to save baby Malek’s life. Their swift actions and unwavering commitment exemplify the unyielding spirit of healthcare workers operating in conflict zones.
Raed al-Saudi, the head of the obstetrics and gynecology department, praised his team’s efforts: “The doctors and nurses here are doing everything they can to save lives. We are working under extreme conditions, but we will not give up.”
The tragic story of Ola al-Kurd and her baby is just one of many heartbreaking tales emerging from Gaza. The conflict, which was triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. According to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures, the attack led to the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, and the seizure of 251 hostages, 116 of whom remain in Gaza.
In response, Israel launched a retaliatory campaign that has killed at least 38,919 people in Gaza, including a significant number of civilians, according to figures from Gaza’s health ministry. The relentless bombardment has caused widespread destruction and displacement, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The healthcare system in Gaza has been severely impacted by the conflict. Hospitals and clinics are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties, and the lack of medical supplies and equipment is hindering their ability to provide adequate care. The war has also led to a rise in pre-term deliveries and maternal complications, such as eclampsia, hemorrhage, and sepsis.
Doctors Without Borders has highlighted the urgent need for medical assistance in Gaza. The organization has been providing support to local hospitals, but the scale of the crisis requires a coordinated international response. “We are seeing a dramatic increase in maternal and newborn complications due to the lack of access to healthcare and the dire conditions in which people are living,” said a spokesperson for the organization.
International organizations and humanitarian groups are working tirelessly to provide aid to the people of Gaza. The United Nations, the International Red Cross, and various non-governmental organizations are delivering essential supplies, including medical equipment, food, and clean water. However, the ongoing conflict and the blockade imposed by Israel make it challenging to reach those in need.
The UN has repeatedly called for an end to the violence and for all parties to respect international humanitarian law. The organization has also urged the international community to increase its support for Gaza’s healthcare system and to ensure that medical supplies and personnel can reach the affected areas.
The tragic death of Ola al-Kurd and the miraculous survival of her baby, Malek, serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict in Gaza. The ongoing violence has devastated countless families and left a trail of destruction in its wake. It is imperative that all parties work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict and prioritize the well-being of civilians.
Human rights organizations have called for an immediate ceasefire and for meaningful dialogue to address the underlying causes of the conflict. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive peace agreement that ensures the safety and security of both Israelis and Palestinians.
While the challenges facing Gaza are immense, there are ways for the international community to support its people. Practicing ecotourism and supporting organizations that protect the vulnerable populations can make a significant difference. Tourists visiting Gaza can contribute to the local economy and help create incentives for peace and stability.
Additionally, raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and advocating for increased international aid can help alleviate some of the suffering. By working together, the global community can provide much-needed support to the people of Gaza and help pave the way for a brighter future.
The story of baby Malek Yassin’s birth amidst the chaos of an airstrike is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the dedication of medical professionals in Gaza. Despite the overwhelming odds, the doctors and nurses at Al-Awda Hospital were able to save his life, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak situation.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, it is crucial for the international community to stand in solidarity with its people and work towards a peaceful resolution. By providing humanitarian aid, supporting healthcare initiatives, and advocating for an end to the violence, we can help ensure that stories like Malek’s are not repeated. Only through collective action and a commitment to peace can we hope to bring about lasting change for the people of Gaza.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏