**Doctor’s Desperate Wait: Family Struggling in Gaza**
Dr. Ahmed Sabra, a physician from Swansea, is living in anguish as he waits to hear from his elderly sister and father, who are struggling to survive in war-torn Gaza. It’s been over two weeks since Dr. Sabra last spoke with his family, and the uncertainty is taking a toll on him.
Dr. Sabra was born in Gaza but now lives in Swansea with his wife and children. He has been trying to stay connected with his family through WhatsApp, but the unreliable internet connection makes it difficult for him to get any news from them. The last time he spoke with his father, Dr. Sabra was deeply emotional as his 75-year-old father revealed how difficult life had become in Gaza.
“He told me that there’s not enough food,” said Dr. Sabra. “He has lost 30kg since the conflict started and is now almost skin-and-bone. As a doctor, it’s hard for me to see him like this.”
Dr. Sabra’s sister is also struggling, as her 12-year-old daughter, who suffers from type 1 diabetes, is in dire need of insulin. The family has been unable to find any medication, and the sister has had to rely on a neighbor to provide some sugar for her child.
“It’s like living in a nightmare,” said Dr. Sabra. “Every day, I fear losing another member of my own family when I open the phone. I feel guilty whenever we eat, knowing that my family and 2 million other people are hungry.”
The United Nations has reported growing evidence of widespread starvation and famine in Gaza, blaming Israel for the crisis as it controls all supplies entering the territory. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has admitted that the situation in Gaza is “tough” but denied that Israel deliberately starves the population.
**A Desperate Situation**
Dr. Sabra’s family is just one of many struggling to survive in Gaza. The UN reported at least 64 malnutrition-related deaths in July, and Hamas claims that more than 60,000 people have been killed on the territory since October 2023.
The situation has become increasingly dire, with aid groups reporting that basic necessities like food, water, and medicine are scarce. Dr. Sabra’s own family had to flee their home after it was destroyed, and he was refused entry at the Rafah border crossing because his name wasn’t on a list of British citizens.
“I feel helpless,” said Dr. Sabra. “As a nurse in the NHS, I have to deal with death all the time. But this is different. The uncertainty and lack of closure are what’s making it so difficult for me.”
**A Global Crisis**
The situation in Gaza has sparked international outrage, with world leaders condemning videos of emaciated Israeli hostages in Gaza. Aid groups have also been vocal about the need for access to the territory.
Dr. Sabra’s story is a testament to the human cost of the conflict. As he waits anxiously for news from his family, he remains hopeful that someone will listen and take action to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.
“I just want my family to be safe,” said Dr. Sabra. “I want them to have food, water, and medicine. I want them to have a future.”
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