Slate News What Next | A Surgeon in Gaza’s “End Game”
Sep 24, 2025
Dr. Mohammed 'Adeel' Khaleel, a complex spinal surgeon, shares his harrowing experiences volunteering in Gaza. He discusses the chaos of treating severe blast and gunshot injuries amidst escalating violence. With overcrowded hospitals and dwindling supplies, he highlights the dire humanitarian crisis. Khalil describes the emotional toll of encountering child victims and families suffering from malnutrition. He reflects on the challenges of aid distribution, expressing uncertainty about the future of Gaza and his commitment to return, despite the dire conditions.
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Aid Distribution Shooting Story
- Mohammed 'Adeel' Khaleel recounts a nurse anesthetist whose husband was shot at an aid distribution site and later died.
- The hospital staff personally knew the victim and described distribution sites as "killing fields."
Logistics Of Bringing Supplies
- On his first trip in April 2024, Khalil's team brought about 90 suitcases of medical supplies and scrub techs gathered donations.
- Teams waited in Cairo until COGAT cleared their entry, sometimes only 24 hours before travel.
Hospitals Turned Into Refugee Camps
- Tens of thousands of displaced people moved into hospital campuses, overwhelming infrastructure and services.
- Hospitals became makeshift camps with tents, overloaded internet, and failing sewage systems.