In a year filled with tragedy and turmoil, it is clear who deserves recognition as the “Person of the Year”: the people of Gaza. As Time magazine prepares to announce its annual honoree, it is hard to ignore the heroic efforts of Palestinian doctors and medical personnel who have risked their lives to save others in the midst of Israel’s genocidal actions in the Gaza Strip.
Since October 7, the Israeli military has launched a brutal assault on Gaza, resulting in the death of over 21,000 Palestinians, including 8,663 children. Amidst this horrific violence, Healthcare Workers Watch – Palestine, an independent monitoring initiative co-launched by Texas doctor Osaid Alser, reports that 340 healthcare workers have been killed by Israeli forces, including 118 doctors and 104 nurses.
One tragic example is the case of Dr. Hammam Alloh, a 36-year-old nephrologist and father of two, who was killed alongside his father in an Israeli airstrike on their home in November. In an interview with Democracy Now!, Dr. Alloh expressed his dedication to his patients, refusing to abandon Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City despite Israeli evacuation orders. This unwavering altruism has been evident among Palestinian medics who continue to provide care amidst the relentless bombing of civilians and targeted attacks on hospitals and ambulances.
Shockingly, Israeli doctors have also supported and cheered on the bombing of Palestinian hospitals, further exacerbating the assault on medical infrastructure and personnel. Palestinian medics not only face the constant threat of becoming military targets but also struggle with severe shortages of fuel, medicines, and basic supplies, which were already scarce even in times of relative peace. The Israeli army has also engaged in abducting and torturing Palestinian healthcare workers, adding to the immense challenges they face.
British-Palestinian surgeon Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah, who has worked in Gaza during multiple Israeli assaults, described the horrifying conditions he witnessed during this recent conflict. He shared the story of a young girl who survived an Israeli missile strike but suffered devastating injuries, with half of her face missing. Despite the unimaginable horror, Dr. Abu Sittah also witnessed acts of love and resilience, such as a woman caring for a three-year-old boy who had lost his family and required amputation.
The heroism extends beyond doctors in Gaza, as Palestinian journalists have also risked their lives to document the atrocities unfolding in the Gaza Strip. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that this war has been the deadliest period for journalists since 1992, with 69 confirmed deaths between October 7 and December 23. Unfortunately, the Western corporate media has largely overlooked the killing of Palestinian journalists and their extended families, failing to give these tragic losses the attention they deserve.
As the year comes to a close, Time magazine has named American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift as its “Person of the Year” for 2023. While Swift may captivate the superficial world with her music, one cannot help but feel that the real-world heroes in Gaza deserve more recognition. As the genocide in Gaza continues unabated, let us acknowledge the people of Gaza as the true “Person of the Year.” Their resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity deserve our utmost respect and admiration.
