In partnership with Rahma Worldwide, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has deployed a multi-specialisation medical convoy to Gaza.

The delegation is headed by Dr Mohamed Salah Ibrahim, assistant secretary-general for Relief and International Development at QRCS.

The “Lifeline 1” convoy comprises three volunteering doctors — neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons and palliative care specialists. The doctors are working at the hospitals of Palestine’s Ministry of Health in Gaza, such as the European Hospital and Nasser Medical Complex. They have started examining the patients and injuries, in preparation for surgical procedures.

Dr Ibrahim said the medical interventions by the surgical delegation would be of great benefit for the injuries and victims of war, especially those suffering wounds, burns, and neuro-orthopedic injuries.

“Upon our arrival into Gaza, we were heartbroken at the difficult humanitarian situation there,” added Dr Ibrahim. “We saw the large-scale destruction of homes and infrastructure as we were moving from the border crossing to Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza.”

Dr Akram Nassar, head of QRCS’s Office in Gaza, described the medical convoy as a “window of hope” for patients to have better health services in the enclave, which had been severely affected by the war, destruction of health facilities, targeting of medical professionals and ambulances, and persistent shortage of medications and medical supplies much needed by the hospitals to remain operational.

“The Lifeline 1 medical convoy is part of the efforts made by QRCS to back Gaza’s health sector,” he concluded.