Indonesian medical volunteer in Gaza, Fikri Rofiul Haq, has made the courageous decision to remain at the Indonesian Hospital in the war-torn Gaza Strip despite the escalating violence and increasing shortage of essential supplies. Haq, along with two other volunteers from the Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C), is facing dire conditions as Israel intensifies its attacks on hospitals and agricultural fields, leaving the region devastated.
Beit Lahia, a region known for its fertile soil and high-quality water supplies, has traditionally been one of Palestine’s most productive areas for strawberry cultivation. However, due to the ongoing conflict, the fields that would typically be filled with ripe strawberries during this time of year have turned into battlefields. Haq laments the loss of the strawberry harvest, which may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of the war, but holds sentimental value for him and helps him cope with the daily horrors.
The Indonesian Hospital, where Haq is based, is now struggling to provide even basic sustenance for its staff. Previously, they relied on nearby areas for food supplies, but with the blockade and bombardments, obtaining fresh produce has become nearly impossible. Staff members now receive only one meal a day, provided by a neighboring hospital, and rely on biscuits and dates for the remaining meals. The situation at the Indonesian and other hospitals in Gaza has significantly deteriorated, and urgent assistance is needed to ensure the well-being of patients and medical staff.
Dr. Mohammad Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa Hospital, paints a grim picture of the dire conditions, with a lack of fuel and medicine exacerbating the challenges caused by the Israeli bombardments. The hospitals are struggling to handle the influx of injured people and newborns, with bodies piling up due to malfunctioning freezers. Atef al-Kahlot, the director of the Indonesian Hospital, pleads for international support to alleviate the mounting pressure on the already overwhelmed medical facilities.
Haq’s recent experience of narrowly escaping an Israeli attack while sourcing medical supplies highlights the extreme danger faced by the volunteers. The hospital’s proximity to the fighting has forced them to remain within the hospital grounds, where they sleep in the doctors’ quarters. Despite their fear and trauma, Haq and his colleagues continue their mission to provide medical assistance and document the victims of the conflict.
As the Israeli bombardments intensify and encroach upon the hospitals, Haq and his fellow volunteers find solace in the basement during bombings. Their work schedule fluctuates based on the urgent needs of both staff and patients, often leaving them with minimal rest. The Indonesian Hospital, built with donations from MER-C in 2011, serves as a vital lifeline for the local population, who are in desperate need of medical care and supplies.
While Indonesia has been working to evacuate its citizens from Gaza, Haq and the other volunteers have made the decision to stay and continue their humanitarian mission. They remain determined to help the people of Gaza find fuel, food, and medical supplies, and provide essential treatment at the Indonesian Hospital. Their unwavering dedication and motivation stem from their desire to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the conflict.
As the situation in Gaza worsens, Haq’s whereabouts remain unknown since Friday midnight, leaving concerns for his safety and the continuation of vital medical services. The international community must rally together and provide support to ensure the safety and well-being of the brave medical volunteers and the people they serve in Gaza.
