The latest reports from Rafah, as shared by Nabal Farsak, a spokesperson for the Palestine Red Crescent Society, paint a grim picture following a recent Israeli strike. The attack targeted civilians' tents in a designated safe zone for displaced individuals, resulting in a tragic loss of life and numerous injuries.
According to Farsak, families in the area were preparing for bed when the shelling began, causing tents to catch fire. The situation quickly turned into a nightmare as people, including children, were trapped in the flames, leading to severe burns and injuries. The toll from the attack stands at at least 45 dead, including 23 children, women, and elderly individuals, with 249 others sustaining injuries.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society responded swiftly, evacuating the casualties to field hospitals in Rafah. However, the healthcare system in the region is on the brink of collapse, with limited medical supplies, overcrowded facilities, and a lack of surgical capacity to treat the critically wounded.
Despite international calls for the protection of civilians under humanitarian law, the situation in Gaza remains dire. The closure of the Rafah crossing further complicates efforts to evacuate those in critical condition for advanced medical care.
Access to medical care in Rafah is almost non-existent, with the major hospital out of service and field hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of patients. The few operational hospitals are overwhelmed, lacking essential medications, supplies, and fuel to power generators.
The healthcare crisis extends beyond treating injuries, as patients with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and those with infectious illnesses are also facing challenges in receiving necessary care.
The ongoing violence in Gaza underscores the urgent need for the international community to intervene, hold accountable those responsible for attacks on civilians, and ensure the protection of vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
