“Never, in more than 30 years in war zones, had I been confronted with such a situation of chaos.” This alarming statement by Prof. Raphaël Pitti, drawing on his humanitarian experience in Syria and Ukraine, describes the current reality in Gaza.
In this testimony video, he reflects on his entry into the Palestinian enclave in early 2024 and details the emergency response deployed by our NGO, HuSoMe (Humanity, Solidarity, Medicine), in response to what is considered the largest humanitarian catastrophe since World War II.
🎥 [YouTube video link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc74sy2ruY4]
A health system in total collapse
Upon arriving at the European Hospital, near Khan Younis, our medical team’s assessment was unequivocal. The facility, designed for 600 beds, was housing more than 900 severely injured patients and was also serving as a shelter for thousands of terrified civilians sleeping in the corridors.
The lack of antibiotics, anesthetics, and basic medical equipment has forced healthcare workers into tragically difficult decisions:
- Reverse triage: Due to the lack of resuscitation resources, teams have been forced to let the most severely injured patients die in order to focus the limited available resources on those with a real chance of survival.
- Invisible victims: Excess mortality does not only affect war-wounded patients. Thousands of patients suffering from chronic conditions (diabetes, kidney failure, cancer) are dying due to lack of treatment.
HuSoMe’s action on the ground: Healing and feeding
In response to the paralysis of major hospitals, HuSoMe quickly adapted its strategy to address the vital needs of the population dehumanized by the siege and hunger.
1. Creation of primary care centers
To relieve hospital emergency rooms, HuSoMe partnered with Caritas and Médecins du Monde to deploy portable primary care centers.
These structures provide general medical consultations, medication distribution, and seasonal disease monitoring.
2. Access to drinking water
The systematic destruction of desalination plants has made potable water extremely scarce, fostering the spread of epidemics (hepatitis, polio risks) due to a polluted groundwater table.
HuSoMe organizes the distribution of 20,000 liters of drinking water per day to address this public health emergency.
3. Combating malnutrition
With an alarming rate of child malnutrition, our teams distribute protein bars and vitamin supplements to protect children and the elderly from starvation.
A refuge for innocence: The Nuseirat orphanage
Amid the ruins, children who had lost their entire extended families were wandering alone, left to face hunger and survival on their own. Faced with this absolute emergency, HuSoMe made a radical decision: to bring them to safety.
We rented and adapted a secure villa in Nuseirat to create an orphanage.
Today, this center is a true sanctuary for these survivors:
- 33 children welcomed (aged 4 to 17)
- A dedicated team: caregivers, social workers, cooks, and security staff support the children day and night
- Individualized care: beyond strictly controlled nutrition to help their starving bodies recover, the children receive psychological support and educational activities to help rebuild a sense of childhood
“Today, the total cost of caring for a child in our orphanage is about €1,000 per month (food, security, supervision). We are fully committed, but the needs are immense.”
Let’s not look away
International solidarity is the last line of defense to protect the lives and dignity of civilians in Gaza. HuSoMe teams continue to fight every day, but they cannot act alone.
Donate to HuSoMe to support our medical actions and our orphanage.