Surgeon blocked from Gaza; local doctors overwhelmed

Dr. Mohamed Shaalan, an Irish surgeon from Dublin, has been denied entry into Gaza to assist with medical care following recent Israeli airstrikes. He had traveled to Jordan on March 10 but was not allowed to proceed to Gaza, where he planned to join a team of volunteer doctors. The airstrikes in Gaza resulted in the deaths of over 400 people, according to the health ministry there. Dr. Shaalan's two Australian colleagues, who traveled with him, were granted permission to enter Gaza and are currently trying to treat many patients suffering from severe injuries. They have communicated with Dr. Shaalan via text messages, expressing the urgent need for more medical professionals, especially surgeons. Dr. Shaalan described the situation in hospitals as “disastrous.” He received images of the injuries, which he finds heartbreaking, as he cannot help from a distance. The lack of surgeons has made the crisis even more dire, with most medical teams being limited to intensive care and anesthesia specialists. Previously, Dr. Shaalan volunteered in Gaza and is familiar with the medical challenges there. However, he has faced repeated refusals from Israeli authorities to return. He speculates that his Irish citizenship may have influenced the denial, given the complex relations between Ireland and Israel. He highlighted that local doctors are overwhelmed and struggling to cope with the rising number of serious injuries, particularly among women and children. Many Palestinian doctors are exhausted after being stuck in Gaza since the conflict began in 2023, and they need specialized training and equipment. Dr. Shaalan remains determined to find a way back to Gaza to assist in any way he can. He expressed a deep emotional toll from being unable to help, sharing that the reality in Gaza is harsher than what is portrayed on television. The Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories did not comment on his situation.