The health system in Israel has reacted to the attacks that occurred in October.
For nearly 14 days, Dr. Thieren journeyed throughout the country to meet with individuals who had been held as hostages in Gaza, including survivors, government officials, and families of over 200 victims.
The World Health Organization (WHO) provided aid to Israel’s healthcare response following the attacks. The Israeli Health Ministry stated that their system was managing, but they were open to requesting assistance if necessary. So far, WHO has documented eight attacks on medical facilities in Israel, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals.
During their visits to towns that had been destroyed and abandoned, Dr. Thieren conversed with survivors, health professionals, and officials, while also visiting a hospital in Ashkelon and military bases where the remains of victims are being held until they can be identified.
He also had a meeting with the family members of individuals who were taken hostage by Hamas. This comes as the WHO and UN continue to urge for their prompt and unconditional release.
As tensions rise in the Israel-Palestine conflict, Dr. Thieren recounted his observations and experiences.
During his visit to the Barzilai Medical Centre in Ashkelon, Dr. Michel Thieren (pictured on the right) conversed with medical personnel.
It is remarkable that nearly all of the individuals I interviewed, most of whom had suffered serious wounds from gunshots, shrapnel, and burns, were not interested in discussing their own experiences. Instead, they focused on the individuals they had witnessed die before them.
The majority of survivors had witnessed a death prior to their own injury, causing them to be haunted by the experience and constantly think about it.
There are numerous individuals in need of immediate assistance for their mental health.
Israeli emergency personnel react to rocket strikes.
Mental health issues that are quickly becoming more widespread.
The continued captivity of numerous Israelis by Hamas prevents the general population from starting the process of healing.
It consumes their thoughts every hour of the day. It has contributed to the overall emotional weight felt across the country, prompting a pressing demand for mental health resources.
Based on my observations, it seems that mental health issues are quickly becoming prevalent among the population of the country. The level of human suffering is significant.
Individuals no longer have a sense of security, which marks a significant shift in their recent past.
Out of the 1,400 victims, only 50% have been identified.
Medical professionals and investigators are currently in the process of determining the identities of the deceased individuals. The bodies are contained within plastic bags, with a mixture of both adult and child remains. However, it is notable that the majority of bags are irregularly shaped.
Even though Israel boasts some of the most skilled forensic doctors globally, only 700, which is less than half of the total of 1,400 victims, have been successfully identified thus far.
This undoubtedly has a tremendous impact on those who are performing this essential task.
Emergency responders in Israel were summoned to provide aid to a 10-year-old boy who was struck by fragments of explosive material.
‘Ghost towns’
I have explored abandoned towns in the southern region where residents have been forced to leave. The lingering scent of death is still present. I have heard countless individuals share their personal experiences.
The stories of survivors, the wounded, mental health professionals, medical personnel, emergency responders, and military personnel are all extremely disturbing.
The effects of widespread shock and sorrow have enveloped this nation in darkness.
Gain further knowledge from the World Health Organization’s information document on mental health during emergency situations here.
Source: news.un.org
