War and shortages push Gaza hospitals to breaking point

Gaza City, Gaza Strip – On the dialysis floor of Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital, the same scene repeats itself every day. Machines run without stopping. Patients sit in closely arranged rows. Medical tubes connect bodies to life for limited hours.In one of the chairs sits 14-year-old Ruwaa Muntasir Abdul Karim, from Jabalia in northern Gaza. Her small size makes her stand out in a crowded room full of patients.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Why Saudi Arabia holds the key to Palestinian statehoodlist 2 of 3A safe space for Gaza women: A sanctuary to speak, heal and share amid warlist 3 of 3Israel kills Palestinian, destroys mosque in Gazaend of listHer left hand is connected to a dialysis machine. Her eyes follow the movement of the medical staff inside the room, but she remains silent throughout the session – the whole process has exhausted her.Her father, Muntasir, sits next to her, his face full of concern.“My daughter used to walk and play before the illness. Her life changed after surgeries and dialysis,” Muntasir said. “Every dialysis session keeps her alive. Any interruption causes her severe fatigue and shortness of breath.”But the hospital department keeping R...