Ibrahim’s wound care journey: healing amid the war in Gaza

Ibrahim, 33, his wife, and their four children lived in Ash Sha’af, east of Gaza city. In December 2023, a series of Israeli airstrikes hit their neighbourhood. Two of their children were killed, and the remaining two as well as both parents were severely injured.. Ibrahim’s left leg was crushed in the destruction. 

With ongoing hostilities all around, the family’s journey to Al-Shifa Hospital, over six kilometers away, was harrowing. Ibrahim's injury remained untreated for days, because the hospital was overwhelmed with trauma injuries and could only provide the most basic care to patients. His injuries worsened, and he developed a severe, unbearably painful infection. 

After two weeks, he was moved to Al Ahli Arab Hospital, where doctors amputated his left leg. He remained hospitalized for 40 days, battling bleeding, infection, and other complications. 

In October 2024, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) with the support of the occupied Palestinian territory Humanitarian Fund (oPt HF), launched a wound care unit operating within a clinic already established by MAP called Solidarity Polyclinic. The wound care unit specializes in providing post-operative and wound care to those suffering from conflict-related injuries. 

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At MAP’s wound care unit, a medical team addressed complications from Ibrahim’s amputation. In addition to medical care, Ibrahim received emotional support from a social worker, helping him navigate his recovery. As he progressed, he was referred to the physiotherapy unit to prepare for a below-knee prosthesis, restoring his mobility and independence. 

Despite the challenges, he found gradual comfort in the care he received as his healing progressed. 

Reflecting on his journey, Ibrahim shared: “Before coming to the clinic, I was afraid of facing further complications. I had already endured so much from the neglect and the worsening of my wound after my first amputation. But with each dressing change, I noticed small improvements, and over time, I began to feel a little more at ease. The wound care team’s dedication helped me manage the pain and the fears that had lingered with me.” 

Ibrahim is one of thousands in Gaza receiving critical care through MAP’s emergency health interventions. With over 23,000 beneficiaries reached through this project, MAP’s mobile teams and partner hospital of Al Awda, in Nuseirat Camp, have delivered lifesaving wound care and primary health services. These efforts address some of the dire health-care gaps in Gaza.