Fares Afanah, head of emergency and ambulance services in northern Gaza, has spoken to Al Jazeera about the challenges medics face in responding to emergencies and treating the wounded.

Afaneh said Israeli attacks have destroyed 80 per cent of his department’s vehicles during the fighting and that Israeli forces routinely block ambulances from reaching victims.

Many of those wounded while seeking aid arrive at the hospital with head and limb wounds, he said, adding that overwhelmed doctors frequently struggle to prioritise care.

 Ambulances arriving carrying people from the Gaza Strip at the King Hussein Bridge border crossing in western Jordan, July 30. — AFP
Ambulances arriving carrying people from the Gaza Strip at the King Hussein Bridge border crossing in western Jordan, July 30. — AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...
Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...