In Gaza, junior paediatrician Abdalkarim Alharazin (Dr. Abed) has witnessed immense suffering and death, far exceeding what many doctors experience in their entire careers. For two years, the 28-year-old has navigated ravaged hospitals to treat Palestinians amidst relentless Israeli attacks, displacement, starvation, and the spread of disease. Presently operating from a makeshift medical tent in northern Gaza, he describes the conditions as “totally unimaginable.”
The plight facing Dr. Abed and his patients is dire. He treats an overwhelming number of malnourished children suffering from dehydration and an outbreak of gastroenteritis, with limited resources – including the basic IV fluids necessary to save young lives. The medical infrastructure in Gaza has been shattered by Israeli airstrikes, leaving over 1,200 healthcare workers, including Dr. Abed’s mentor Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, killed, detained, or missing.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Abed is determined to continue his work and has been accepted into a master’s program at the University of Sydney to gain the skills needed to help rebuild Gaza’s healthcare system. With the support of NGOs, Dr. Abed is fundraising to cover the academic and living expenses for this opportunity. As he prepares to pursue further education, Dr. Abed remains a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of devastation.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/08/dr-abed-has-watched-gazas-healthcare-system-crumble-he-hopes-studying-in-australia-will-help-him-rebuild-it
