Gaza Dialysis Patient Uses Donkey Cart for Hospital Trips

Shortly before sunrise, Palestinian Fathi Hajji sets out on a demanding trip that he repeats three times a week, traveling to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The journey begins in the pre‑dawn quiet, a time when the streets of the war‑torn Gaza Strip are still shrouded in darkness and the air is heavy with the after‑effects of ongoing conflict. Hajji’s route takes him through a landscape scarred by shelling, with damaged roads and scattered debris that complicate even the simplest of commutes.

Nasser Hospital, one of the few remaining medical facilities in the region, has become a critical lifeline for residents of Khan Younis. The facility is operating under severe constraints, with limited supplies and stretched staff, yet it continues to provide essential care amid the broader humanitarian crisis. Hajji’s repeated visits underscore the challenges civilians face in accessing reliable medical services; the trip itself is a testament to the resilience required to navigate a territory where infrastructure has been repeatedly targeted and where transportation routes are often disrupted by security checkpoints and damaged infrastructure.

The ongoing conflict has left the Gaza Strip in a state of persistent emergency, with civilians enduring daily hardships that extend beyond the immediate dangers of hostilities. Hajji’s routine, though personal, reflects a broader pattern of perseverance among residents who must regularly confront logistical obstacles to meet basic health needs. As the war continues to strain the region’s resources, stories like his highlight the enduring human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for sustained humanitarian support.