The Urgent Plea of Dr. Tom Potokar: A British Doctor’s Perspective from Gaza
A Call to Action
Dr. Tom Potokar, a British surgeon working tirelessly in Gaza, has made a heartfelt appeal to global leaders, urging them to “stop talking and do something” about the escalating humanitarian crisis. The dire situation has reached alarming levels, with rampant starvation and extensive destruction reported in the territory.
Life in a “Slaughterhouse”
In his vivid descriptions, Dr. Potokar has likened Gaza to a "slaughterhouse," a testament to the overwhelming violence inflicted by continual bombardments from Israeli forces. Currently situated in Khan Younis, he is part of a dedicated team of British specialist doctors and surgeons grappling with the overwhelming demand for urgent medical care amidst chaos.
Conditions at the Hospitals
Sky News reporters have accompanied Dr. Potokar and his colleagues during their two-day mission, capturing the harrowing conditions at Nasser and Amal hospitals—two of the few operational medical facilities remaining in southern Gaza. The operating theatres serve as rare sanctuaries of calm amid the relentless war outside, where medical professionals work tirelessly to treat a constant influx of wounded patients.
Every patient arriving at these hospitals is malnourished, suffering significantly from the unrelenting blockade that has cut off access to food and clean water. Children are bearing the brunt of this crisis, their weakened bodies making them more vulnerable to injuries.
Attacks on Medical Facilities
Despite their attempts to provide care, hospitals in Gaza have repeatedly come under fire. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) assert that Hamas has been using hospitals as shields, hiding within their confines or utilizing tunnels beneath. Recently, Nasser Hospital has suffered significant destruction; its former burns unit, a critical section for treating the severely injured, was destroyed by airstrikes.
The medical staff themselves endure extreme conditions, squeezing into diminutive living quarters within the hospitals, reliant on just one meal a day consisting of a meager 400 calories. The ongoing blockade now stretching into its 11th week has affected everyone, leaving both patients and medical staff in a precarious state.
Dr. Potokar’s Observations
Having returned to Gaza following a respite since December 2023, Dr. Potokar has remarked on the heightened intensity of the crisis. “Back in October to December ’23 was the last time I was here, there was a lot of wounded, and it was very intense as well," he recounted. “But this time, because of the blockade, there’s so little stuff getting in; people are starving and there are minimal medical supplies.”
In his description of Khan Younis, he stated, “It looks like Stalingrad,” revealing the extent of the devastation witnessed in the area.
The Human Cost
Dr. Potokar emotionally articulated the horrific reality unfolding before him: “What can you say, it’s horrific, it’s a slaughterhouse.” His urgent call for international action signifies the desperation felt not only by medical professionals but also by the thousands suffering in Gaza.
Aid Efforts Amidst Crisis
In a concerning update, the United Nations has asserted that 100 aid trucks were cleared for entry into Gaza recently, yet Tom Fletcher, a former British diplomat, has warned that without immediate assistance, the lives of approximately 14,000 babies hang in the balance, facing potential death within the next 48 hours.
The Intensifying Military Operations
As the IDF-designated combat zones inch closer to the Nasser Hospital, anxiety escalates. Unmanned aerial vehicles routinely patrol the skies above, casting a shadow over the already beleaguered facility. With evacuation orders surfacing for much of Khan Younis, many healthcare workers have found themselves torn between their duties and their families, necessitating urgent relocations for safety.
The Final Stand
Dr. Potokar’s team remains committed to their mission, even as they prepare for potential evacuation at a moment’s notice. Essential supplies have been diligently stockpiled, buttressing their readiness amidst the uncertainty. Nasser Hospital stands as the last provider of intensive care in southern Gaza, and losing this facility could spell catastrophe, straining already overwhelmed temporary hospitals lacking sufficient resources.
The Weight of Responsibility
Dr. Graeme Groom, another dedicated surgeon in the field, emphasized the shared humanity of the people affected by this crisis. “These are people just like you and me,” he expressed. Their stories and struggles resonate profoundly, reflecting lives upended by violence, loss, and the fight for basic survival in an increasingly perilous landscape.
