Challenging Life Choices for Gaza’s War Victims: Amputations or Death

Shaimaa Nabahin, a 22-year-old university student in Gaza, had to make a life-changing decision after being injured in an Israeli airstrike. She was given the choice by doctors to either undergo amputation of her left leg or face a potentially fatal outcome due to blood poisoning. She chose amputation to maximize her chances of survival.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has severely impacted healthcare in Gaza. With only nine out of 36 hospitals operational due to the conflict, medical facilities are overwhelmed and lack essential equipment and specialists. This has led to a rise in amputations due to inadequate treatment options for the war-wounded.

Amputees in Gaza struggle with limited access to prostheses and post-operative care. The overcrowded hospitals, coupled with scarce resources and a high risk of post-op infections, make recovery difficult. Additionally, the displacement of a large portion of the population and scarcity of basic supplies like water and food further exacerbate the challenges faced by amputees.

The conflict has had a devastating impact on the civilian population in Gaza. As per the Health Ministry, over 20,600 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed. The war has also led to widespread displacement, with 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population forced to seek shelter in tents, schools, or relatives’ homes, facing shortages of water, food, and other essentials.