As the temperature in Gaza soared to over 38 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in recent weeks, many residents of the densely populated Palestinian enclave faced a new challenge: how to breathe.
For Ismail Nashwan, a 65-year-old man who suffers from pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease that causes scarring and stiffness in the lungs, the heatwave and the worsening power cuts have been a nightmare.
He relies on a ventilator to help him breathe, but the device needs electricity to function. With power outages lasting for around 12 hours a day, Nashwan has had to shuttle between his home and the hospital, where he can access a generator.
“I go to the hospital, and when I come back home the electricity goes off again so I go back into the hospital,” Nashwan said through an oxygen mask, surrounded by bags of medicines and breathing equipment in his room. “This is how my life has become.”
Nashwan is not alone. According to Gaza health officials, more than 300 people in the enclave were born with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. They also estimate that there are hundreds of cases of acquired pulmonary fibrosis, which can be caused by exposure to dust, pollution, infections or chemicals.
These patients need regular oxygen ventilation and medication to manage their conditions, but the power crisis and the shortage of medical supplies make it difficult for them to get adequate care.
Doctor Mohammad Al-Haj of Gaza’s Shuhada Al-Aqsa Hospital, said the extreme heat and power interruptions have increased the number of patients with respiratory problems who visit the hospital in July and August – typically the hottest time of year.
“Power cuts deprive patients of their right to regular oxygen ventilation and that pushes patients to keep visiting hospital,” Haj said.
One of those patients is Abdel-Majeed Al-Sbakhi, who has diabetes as well as cystic fibrosis. He said he cannot stand the heat at home, which worsens his chest inflammation and heart rate.
“I spend most of my time in the hospital,” he said.
The power crisis in Gaza is not new. It has been plaguing the coastal strip for years, as a result of the Israeli blockade that has restricted the flow of fuel and other resources into Gaza since 2007. Israel says its blockade is necessary to stop arms reaching Hamas.
Egypt, which also shares a border with Gaza, has also imposed restrictions on the movement of goods and people across its Rafah crossing. The blockade has devastated Gaza’s economy and infrastructure, leaving its 2.3 million inhabitants with limited access to water, sanitation, health care and education.
The situation has worsened since May 2021, when Israel launched an 11-day military offensive against Gaza. The fighting killed more than 250 Palestinians, and damaged or destroyed thousands of homes and buildings, including power lines and substations.
The United Nations has warned that Gaza is facing a humanitarian catastrophe and has called for urgent reconstruction efforts.
Meanwhile, patients like Nashwan and Al-Sbakhi are left to cope with their daily struggle to breathe.
“I hope that one day we will have stable electricity and better health services,” Nashwan said. “I hope that one day we will live like other people in the world.”
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