On October 13, 2024, Dr. Feroze Sidhwa, an American doctor who served in Gaza, reported alarming statistics regarding child casualties amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. During his two-week stint in Khan Younis from March to April 2024, he witnessed numerous children suffering fatal gunshot wounds, primarily to the head and chest.
Dr. Sidhwa shared his experiences in an interview with the New York Times, expressing his shock at the high number of children being shot. He noted that during his time there, he encountered 13 children who had been shot, with many cases reported by other medical professionals as well. Out of 65 healthcare workers he spoke with, 44 confirmed similar incidents.
Dr. Mohamad Rassoul Abu Nuwar, a bariatric and foregut surgeon, recounted a night in the emergency room where he treated six children aged 5-12, all with gunshot wounds to the skull, all of whom did not survive. Other medical staff echoed these sentiments, describing the frequent arrival of young patients with critical injuries.
Healthcare professionals also highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, stating that many Palestinians are suffering from malnutrition. Nurse Merril Tydings observed the extreme hunger among the local population, noting her reluctance to consume food in front of them as they had been without sustenance for days.