Gaza: Dialysis patients face grueling hospital journey by donkey cart
A Daily Pilgrimage: Gaza's Dialysis Patients Navigate War-Torn Roads
The Morning Journey Begins
Provpnmatrix.com – Gaza - Before the first light breaks over the horizon, Fathi Hajji starts his demanding three-times-weekly trek to Nasser Hospital. Located in Khan Younis within the devastated Gaza Strip, this medical facility has become both a lifeline and a daily challenge for the elderly Palestinian man. His method of transportation tells a story of resilience amid destruction—a wheelchair secured onto a cart drawn by a patient donkey.
As he departs from his tent in the Al-Mawasi displacement area, two essential items accompany him on this arduous passage: an oxygen cylinder and a small portable fan. These tools represent not just medical necessities but symbols of hope for someone whose life depends on regular dialysis sessions.
"Since January 2024 until now, I have been undergoing dialysis sessions three times a week," he explained. "I suffer a lot because of transportation as I travel in a cart pulled by a donkey under the scorching sun, and thank God, what can we do? I have no other choice."
Infrastructure Collapse and Humanitarian Crisis
The journey itself has transformed from a simple commute into an ordeal. Since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in 2023, the Strip has witnessed unprecedented destruction of critical infrastructure. Transportation networks lie in ruins, leaving patients like Mr. Hajji with limited mobility options. Even after the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, the World Health Organization reports that Gaza's healthcare system continues operating well below normal capacity.
Israeli military operations caused widespread damage to health facilities across the territory. Combined with restrictions preventing adequate medical supplies from entering, these factors create a perfect storm for patients requiring consistent treatment. Chronic disease sufferers find themselves caught between deteriorating conditions and insufficient resources.
"We are under a lot of pressure on the dialysis machines, many of which are worn out," said Hamza Abu Raya, one of the center's dedicated employees. "We also suffer from a shortage of treatment supplies, including bicarbonate, in addition to the unavailability of the drug Eprex for a long time, which increases the suffering of patients."
A Grandson's Devotion
Throughout the journey, Mr. Hajji's grandson Saif demonstrates remarkable patience and strength. The unpaved roads prove particularly challenging, forcing repeated stops to reattach the wheelchair to the trolley. Every fifty meters requires adjustment, testing both man and machine.
"There is great suffering along the way due to the heat of the sun and the rough roads," his grandson observed. "We have to stop every fifty metres to adjust the position of my grandfather's wheelchair, and we arrive at the hospital exhausted and in immediate need of oxygen."
Upon reaching the Nasser Medical Complex, the elderly man receives assistance transferring from his wheelchair to a treatment bed. Inside, patients queue patiently while medical staff struggle to manage growing demand with shrinking resources.
Treatment and Return
Once settled, Mr. Hajji begins his dialysis session, lasting between three and five hours depending on his condition. A health worker monitors his vital signs throughout this critical period. The high temperatures make the experience particularly challenging, necessitating both the fan he brought and daily oxygen cylinder refills.
"It is very difficult, especially with the high temperatures, so I had to bring a fan with me, and I also need to fill the oxygen cylinder daily," Mr. Hajji clarified.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, shortages extend beyond medical supplies. Fuel, spare parts, and essential medications remain scarce. These deficiencies compound concerns about infectious disease transmission and mounting pressure on already strained facilities.
After completing his treatment, Mr. Hajji returns to his wheelchair. The same donkey-drawn cart that carried him to the hospital will transport him back to his tent. This cycle repeats three times weekly, representing the reality for hundreds of kidney failure patients throughout Gaza who face similar obstacles in accessing life-saving care.
Health partners continue operating services to maximum capacity despite overwhelming challenges. Their efforts provide crucial support to communities where medical infrastructure has suffered devastating blows. For patients like Fathi Hajji, each journey represents not just physical endurance but spiritual strength—a testament to human resilience in the face of extraordinary hardship.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gaza?Gaza is the main topic of this guide. The article explains the context, practical details, and next steps readers should understand.
Why does Gaza matter?Gaza matters because readers are looking for a useful answer, not just a short summary. Good content should match search intent and help them decide what to do next.