Dr. Teresa Soldner, a U.S. trauma surgeon, provides a detailed account of her two-week stay at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza during April 2026. She describes treating patients with life-threatening injuries from explosions, shrapnel, and gunshot wounds, many of whom arrived without adequate medical supplies or time for stabilization. The hospital’s infrastructure was severely strained, with limited access to electricity, clean water, and essential medications. Medical staff worked under extreme pressure, often making difficult triage decisions due to the sheer volume of casualties.
Beyond physical injuries, Dr. Soldner highlights the broader collapse of healthcare services across the enclave. The combination of destroyed facilities, lack of medical personnel, and ongoing conflict has created a humanitarian emergency. Patients face prolonged suffering due to delayed treatment, while healthcare workers operate with minimal support and constant fear for their safety. Her report underscores the urgent need for international aid and protection for medical institutions in active conflict zones.