The lethal violence taking place in Gaza right now is mostly un-reported by either mainstream or alternative media in this part of the world – or anywhere.
There’s a voluntary embargo on reporting war’s reality that goes back for decades – and even centuries. We turn away collectively from a reality that is tearing us and the planet apart.
Canadian orthopedic surgeon Deirdre Nunan is working in Gaza right now, and has been there off and on for several years. Her direct experience lays out the brutal reality of war for all to see.
Deirdre was brought up with strong values around human rights and justice. They guide her medical practice. Not all doctors work this way. With the Israeli government’s resumption of fighting, Deirdre is treating endless severe injuries caused by shootings, artillery shells and bombings. The following is a list of civilian injuries Deirdre treated in one recent day, edited for clarity (for non-medical readers):
Warning: the following content can be disturbing. If you have had traumas related to physical assaults in your life or the lives of people you love, then you may wish to read no further.
• 36 year-old man – explosion injury to abdomen requiring open surgical examination, followed by inserting a pin in a femur (thigh bone) fracture;
• 35 year-old man – infected stump of previously amputated leg shattered last May, requiring further removal of tissue. New femur fracture on the amputated side and a shin-bone fracture on his intact side, both stabilized by external splints;
• 12 year-old girl – explosion injury laying bare her calf, with fracture to the shin bone and much damage to bone and flesh requiring clearing all damaged tissue (and leaving open to heal);
• 11 year-old girl – explosion injury and fracture of her femur needing a cast;
• 34 year-old man – explosion injury to head and chest, open proximal femur fracture with massive loss of skin and flesh, trimmed back and treated with a specialized vacuum apparatus;
• 19 year-old man – general explosion injury, with the previous loss of an entire leg, now infected,requiring more tissue removal;
• 29 year-old man – with soft tissue head, chest, abdominal and limb injuries, probably brain-dead, being monitored. Meanwhile massive leg and thigh wounds cleaned up;
• 24 year-old man – explosion injury, requiring shrapnel removal from his hand;
• 32 year-old man – with an explosion injury to his brain and massive injuries to the rest of his body. Most of his toes amputated. Exposed fracture to his forearm cleaned up (debrided) and dressed.
Most Israelis never hear of the injuries or deaths in Gaza, because Israeli media doesn’t report it. Most Canadians never hear of this either, or of the reality of war in Africa, Yemen and Ukraine for the same reason.
All war is gruesome and horrible – and unnecessary. Nonviolent conflict resolution is the only solution. Every one of us must call, loudly and persistently, for an end to war.
Warren Bell is a long-time family physician in Salmon Arm with a consuming interest and involvement in community and global affairs.
