Dr. Feroze Sidhwa, a US trauma surgeon with extensive experience in conflict zones, has shared his shocking accounts of treating the wounded in Gaza, describing it as a uniquely distressing environment for medical professionals. In a recent interview, Sidhwa recounted his time in the Palestinian enclave following the onset of Israel’s extensive military offensive that has devastated much of the region.
One particularly heartbreaking case was that of a 9-year-old girl named Jouri, who had sustained severe injuries before Sidhwa's arrival. He explained, "When we found her, she was dying of sepsis." Jouri had suffered from an explosion that left her seriously injured, with severe damage to her leg. After multiple surgeries, she has shown signs of recovery, recently sending a video message to Sidhwa, which brought him some relief amidst the despair surrounding him.
However, Sidhwa expressed deep concern over the overwhelming number of casualties in Gaza, highlighting that no hospitals remain functioning while many children suffer from life-threatening conditions like sepsis. "How can we take care of hundreds of kids like this?" he questioned, illustrating the dire situation facing healthcare providers in the region.
In his account, Sidhwa emphasized the shocking prevalence of gunshot wounds among children he treated, noting, "It's pretty shocking to see in person when almost every day you see a new young— and I don't mean 17-year-old kids, I mean young children—come into the hospital with single gunshot wounds to the head." His assertion that the U.S. government’s support for Israel's military actions is “shocking and totally indefensible” underscores his personal anguish over the ongoing violence.
Sidhwa was among a group of 100 health professionals who called on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to immediately halt all military, economic, and diplomatic support to Israel. He stated, “We witnessed atrocities with our own eyes, and we would like to tell you about them, because you're funding them.”
Reflecting on the misconceptions surrounding his stance, Sidhwa clarified his motivations: “My government is funding these crimes all the way. It's not subtle, it's not unknown.” He believes that the narrative surrounding Palestinians often portrays them negatively, reducing a complex situation to simplistic caricatures.
He noted an impressive resilience among the Palestinian people, stating, “One was the dignity and humanity that these people refused to give up.” Sidhwa contrasted the real encounters he had with Palestinians against a backdrop of dehumanizing portrayals in media and politics.
Now back at his position at San Joaquin General Hospital in California, Sidhwa remains conflicted about returning to Gaza, citing the dangers that persist under the current conditions. The ongoing Israeli offensive, which has led to more than 43,160 deaths—mostly among women and children—and left hundreds of thousands injured and displaced, continues to raise alarm among international observers, with calls for accountability and justice growing louder.
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