Gaza’s Nasser Hospital overwhelmed by war casualties, displaced families amid ongoing conflict
The once-familiar environment of Nasser Hospital in Gaza has transformed into a shelter for both the war-wounded and displaced civilians, a far cry from its typical operations just a year ago. Located in Khan Younis, it is now one of the few medical facilities still functioning amidst the devastating conflict in the Gaza Strip. The hospital’s courtyards and corridors are filled with those seeking refuge, while its staff, including many newly arrived doctors, continue their work under extremely challenging conditions.
Dr. Mohammed Abu Mughaisib, deputy medical coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Palestine, has been at the forefront of this crisis. Having moved between different medical sites during the past year, he describes how hospitals, once structured and organized spaces for treating patients, have become makeshift shelters. "Hospitals are no longer the places we used to know. Families have brought tents, and people are sleeping in car parks and wards, believing they will be safe here," he said in an interview with The Guardian.
However, hospitals have not been immune to the violence. The United Nations has reported over 500 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza over the past 12 months, including bombings and raids on major hospitals such as Nasser Hospital and Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital. In January and February, Nasser Hospital itself was raided by Israeli forces, with some staff and displaced individuals reporting instances of torture.
Amid this chaos, healthcare workers like Dr. Mughaisib have been personally affected. While working tirelessly to care for others, they have also had to grapple with the safety of their own families. Dr. Mughaisib’s wife and children narrowly escaped an airstrike in November, prompting him to evacuate them to Cairo in February for their safety. Despite these personal struggles, he continues his vital work in Gaza.
With much of the Israeli military focus shifting to Khan Younis, including targeting Nasser Hospital itself, Dr. Mughaisib and his team have repeatedly had to move, including a stint at the Rafah Indonesian Field Hospital. This facility, like many others, later became a target, forcing both medical staff and civilians to seek safety elsewhere once again.
The ongoing conflict has left Gaza’s healthcare system in ruins. According to the UN, only 17 hospitals remain partially operational, while 19 have been completely shut down. Most primary healthcare centers are no longer functioning, leaving many patients without access to critical medical care. Dr. Mughaisib and his colleagues are not only dealing with conflict-related injuries but also seeing a rise in cases of infectious diseases like gastroenteritis, skin infections, and hepatitis A, exacerbated by poor living conditions and contaminated water supplies.
Despite the immense challenges, moments of hope still surface. Dr. Mughaisib recalls the emotional toll of treating severely injured children but also takes comfort in the ability to bring them brief moments of joy. "I always remember the children – those who have lost limbs, those who suffer severe injuries. As a doctor, I must stay strong for them, but they are the patients I will never forget," he shared.
The hospital continues to operate using generators, which sometimes fail due to fuel shortages, forcing staff to work under constant uncertainty. Calls for a ceasefire, which the doctors say are urgently needed, have gone unanswered for months. "After a year of conflict, the word ceasefire feels like a distant dream. We hoped it would come during Ramadan or Eid, or even by the end of summer, but it hasn’t happened," Dr. Mughaisib said, reflecting the weariness and uncertainty of those on the frontlines of this humanitarian crisis.
(This report is based on information provided by The Guardian)
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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
