'It's really hard to have any hope': Gaza doctor describes daily struggle

BBC - Apr 18th, 2025

Healthcare in the Gaza Strip is severely affected as a result of the ongoing 18-month war between Israel and Hamas. The BBC followed Dr. Wissam Sukkar, a general practitioner at a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) clinic, through her challenging day. With transportation halted due to lack of fuel, she walks significant distances to reach her clinic, which has been relocated after its original site was damaged. The clinic faces immense pressure with 150 patients waiting even before it opens, primarily displaced individuals living in dire conditions. This situation has led to a rise in malnutrition and diseases, especially among children and the elderly, exacerbated by inadequate medical supplies due to the Israeli blockade.

The broader context highlights the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the healthcare system is collapsing under the weight of war and blockade. Only 21 out of 36 hospitals are partially functional, with medical supplies critically low. The recent destruction of Al-Ahli Arab hospital by an Israeli airstrike, accused of harboring Hamas, has worsened the situation, eliminating a key trauma care facility. The blockade has halted all aid, resulting in shortages of essential medicines and supplies. Dr. Sukkar and her colleagues are forced to ration what little they have, but the prospects are grim. The story underscores the dire humanitarian impact of the conflict and raises questions about the future of healthcare and basic survival in Gaza, as Dr. Sukkar poignantly reflects on her own struggles and the lack of hope for an end to the war.

Israel Hamas Humanitarian Crisis Gaza Strip Blockade Healthcare Crisis Médecins Sans Frontières (Msf) Dr. Wissam Sukkar World Health Organization (Who)

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively highlights the healthcare crisis in Gaza through the lens of Dr. Wissam Sukkar's experiences. It provides a compelling narrative that captures the human impact of the ongoing conflict. However, the story could be strengthened by incorporating a wider range of perspectives and verifying specific claims to ensure accuracy. The article is timely and relevant, addressing a significant humanitarian issue that holds public interest and has the potential to influence opinion and drive action. Despite some limitations in balance and transparency, the article is engaging and accessible, making it a valuable contribution to the discourse on the Gaza conflict.

Accuracy

The article provides a detailed account of the healthcare situation in Gaza, focusing on Dr. Wissam Sukkar's experiences. It accurately portrays the challenges faced by healthcare workers, such as the lack of medical supplies and the impact of the ongoing conflict. However, some claims require verification, such as the exact number of functional hospitals and the specifics of the blockade and aid restrictions. The story mentions 21 of Gaza's 36 hospitals being partially functional, which contrasts with other reports stating 16 hospitals were partially operational. Additionally, the article's account of the al-Ahli Arab Hospital bombing needs corroboration with external sources to ensure accuracy.

Balance

The article predominantly presents the perspective of Dr. Sukkar and the challenges faced by healthcare workers in Gaza. While it highlights the dire situation and human impact, it lacks a balanced representation of other viewpoints, such as those from Israeli authorities or international organizations. The article could benefit from including perspectives on the political context or responses from Israeli officials regarding the blockade and hospital attacks. This omission may lead to an imbalanced understanding of the conflict's complexity.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, descriptive language to convey the challenges faced by healthcare workers in Gaza. It effectively combines narrative elements with factual information, making the story engaging and easy to follow. However, the inclusion of more context about the broader conflict and its implications could enhance reader understanding and provide a more comprehensive picture of the situation.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on the account of Dr. Wissam Sukkar, a credible source given her direct involvement in healthcare in Gaza. It also references the WHO, lending authority to claims about hospital functionality. However, the story could improve its reliability by incorporating a broader range of sources, such as official statements from the Israeli government or independent humanitarian organizations, to provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.

Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of Dr. Sukkar's daily struggles but lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to gather information. It does not disclose how the BBC journalist verified the details or whether other sources corroborated Dr. Sukkar's account. Greater transparency about the reporting process and potential conflicts of interest would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to better assess its impartiality.