Prof Nick Maynard, a 61-year-old consultant surgeon, is passionate about highlighting the plight of medical professionals and facilities in the Gaza Strip. Returning recently from a volunteering journey in Gaza, he expressed his deep concern about what he believes to be the intentional hitting of medical infrastructures. For years, his resolve has developed as he observed the havoc through his work with Trócaire’s affiliate, Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Stationed at Oxford University Hospital, Maynard has consistently offered his indispensable surgical skills in Gaza since 2010. The relationships he formed over the years make his dedication to the cause deeply personal. He considers many individuals there as members of his family. Further fueling his advocacy efforts is his wife Fionnuala’s Irish heritage. On the brink of retiring, he frequently spends time in Ireland, mobilising public opinion informed by his first-hand experiences.
Since October 7th the previous year, the Gaza health ministry reports over 38,000 Palestinians killed, and more than 77,000 injured as a result of the ongoing Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip.
Maynard ventured to Gaza twice since the last October. His trips in December-January and April-May were motivated by the desire to join his friends who live in a region that is hugely significant to him. Upon arrival, he recalled the scent of smoke everywhere and witnessed the mass migration of people moving south to escape the continuous bombardment.
The Al-Aqsa Hospital, where Maynard worked during his visits, experienced a dramatic surge in incoming patients. The small hospital, typically accommodating just over 160 patients, saw an influx of over 800. He recounted horrific scenes of overwhelmingly numerous casualties, especially among women and children bearing serious burns and traumatic injuries, including many limb amputations.
The situation for those working in medical facilities was deplorable. Insufficient medical supplies and lack of basic equipment, including as simple as painkillers for children and surgical gloves, made their duties extremely challenging, shares Maynard. The grim reality was that the hospitals were no longer fully operational, with medical professionals including doctors, nurses, paramedics being targeted and tortured, or even worse, killed.
Living conditions were also harrowing. The members of the medical community were forced to live in tents after their homes were destroyed. “These brave local healthcare workers tirelessly worked round the clock for nine months under the most dreadful circumstances you can imagine. Many have lost their loved ones, yet they continued to serve in these horrific conditions,” narrates Maynard.
Maynard, who once worked in Al-Shifa Hospital -mostly demolished after a fortnight siege by Israel Defence Forces- refutes the allegations that the hospital was a hub for terrorists. The assault saw more than 400 Palestinian casualties. “I have not seen any indication of Hamas influence there,” he clarified.
Beyond the immediate casualties, the roots of the humanitarian crisis go deeper. A blockade-induced malnutrition complicates the health of the affected, severely impacting post-surgery recovery. Maynard recounts the heartbreaking demise of young patients like Tala (16) and Lama (28) due to their malnourished state causing complications post-blast injury surgeries. “They should have survived, but their malnourished condition led to fatal complications,” says an anguished Maynard.
Maynard strongly advocated for international pressure to be exerted on Israel to put an end to what he labeled as genocide and war crimes. He singled out western governments, naming America, UK, and Ireland, as deficient in their duties toward the people of Gaza. “Israel is allowed to proceed with these atrocities because these western governments have allowed them. It is high time they exert pressure on Israel to cease these war crimes,” he urges.
Maynard had high admiration for the local initiatives taking place across Ireland, expressing his profound appreciation for everyone’s hard work. “The actions being taken at a grassroots level in Ireland are truly commendable,” he noted. He urged the continuation of consciousness-raising activities, demonstrations, and insistence on political leaders to properly challenge Israel. “The initiatives launched by individuals in their communities are notably praiseworthy. This needs to be sustained and amplified,” he added.