When I enrolled in nursing school at Al Azhar University, my ultimate goal was to work at al-Shifa Hospital. It was the most renowned medical facility in the Gaza Strip, known for its top-notch staff and quality care. People from all over Gaza sought treatment at al-Shifa, making it a pillar of healthcare in the region.
After graduating in 2020, I struggled to secure a permanent position in the private sector. Eventually, I landed a volunteer role at al-Shifa, which was a dream come true for me. Working in the emergency department, I found joy in providing care and comfort to patients in need. The camaraderie among my colleagues, including my close friend Alaa, made the challenging work environment more bearable.
When conflict broke out, al-Shifa Hospital was inundated with casualties, pushing us nurses to our limits. Despite the overwhelming influx of patients, I approached each day with dedication and a positive attitude. However, the horror of the situation continued for weeks on end, with no end in sight.
As the situation escalated, the Israeli army forced my family to evacuate our home in Gaza City. Faced with a difficult decision, I chose to remain at the hospital to care for those who needed me most. The siege imposed on the hospital made conditions unbearable, with dwindling medical supplies and a lack of basic necessities.
The siege took a devastating toll on our patients, including premature babies who perished due to the lack of oxygen and resources. The situation reached a breaking point when Israeli soldiers stormed the hospital, violating international laws protecting medical facilities during conflict.
Forced to evacuate, I, along with other medical staff, left al-Shifa under Israeli orders, leaving behind colleagues and patients in need of care. The journey south was grueling, but reuniting with my family in Rafah provided some solace amidst the chaos.
Tragically, my dear friend Alaa met a cruel fate when she was killed by an Israeli missile while attempting to retrieve belongings from her family home. Her loss left a void in my heart, a pain that continues to linger to this day.
Months later, Israeli soldiers returned to al-Shifa, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. The once thriving hospital now lay in ruins, a stark reminder of the atrocities of war.
Now, living in a makeshift clinic and facing an uncertain future, I hold onto a glimmer of hope for the new year. My dream is to see al-Shifa Hospital restored to its former glory, a beacon of healing and hope in the midst of adversity.
The journey has been fraught with loss and suffering, but my resolve to rebuild and heal remains unwavering. My experiences at al-Shifa, both the triumphs and tragedies, will forever shape my path forward.
