With a prosthetic leg and unwavering determination, Dr. Khaled Al-Saeedni continues his life-saving work at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, in the heart of Gaza. Despite his injury, the paediatrician moves through the hospital’s pediatric ward, stethoscope in hand, tending to children in need of care.
Dr. Al-Saeedni’s journey is one of perseverance. In June, an Israeli airstrike on Al-Bureij camp near his home left him severely injured. Shrapnel struck his right leg, leading to complications exacerbated by his diabetes. Lacking adequate medical care due to the ongoing siege, he was forced to amputate his leg to prevent the infection from spreading further.
“I couldn’t imagine giving up the job I’ve been practicing for 23 years,” he told SND News Agency, reflecting on the emotional toll of his injury. After receiving a prosthetic limb, he found hope again and returned to his work, stating, “I needed the children just as much as they needed me.”
Despite his resilience, Dr. Al-Saeedni faces a looming threat to his health. He suffers from arterial blockages in his remaining leg, which doctors warn may also require amputation without urgent treatment. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has reached out about transferring him abroad for medical care, bureaucratic and logistical hurdles have left him waiting.
The crisis in Gaza’s healthcare system extends beyond individual stories. The WHO estimates that over 12,000 Palestinians, including critically ill patients and injured individuals, are awaiting permission to leave Gaza for life-saving treatment. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that since the Rafah crossing was closed in May, the pace of evacuations has drastically slowed, with only 436 patients leaving Gaza under severely restricted conditions.
Dr. Al-Saeedni’s story is emblematic of Gaza’s broader struggle under the genocidal war that has decimated infrastructure and shattered lives. He appeals to international organisations and those who can assist to intervene urgently, not just for himself but for the thousands of others in similar situations.
This extraordinary display of courage and resilience in the face of adversity underscores the dire need for global action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ensure access to life-saving medical care for those trapped within its borders.
Source : Safa News
