Public Comment

The horrors of the Israeli bombardment in Gaza are unfathomable, and the toll on the people there, particularly those trying to save lives, is immeasurable. For over a year, rescuers have been under relentless pressure, digging through rubble with their bare hands, racing against time to save survivors of the ongoing Israeli airstrikes. The carnage has left many unable to save those whose voices they can still hear beneath the wreckage. Nooh al-Shaghnobi, a rescue worker in Gaza, described the haunting experience of leaving people behind because of the lack of proper tools and equipment. These workers face extreme physical and emotional strain, with some suffering from unspeakable levels of stress, anxiety, and guilt. At least 118 rescue workers have died in the line of duty, a tragic testament to the immense risks they face. 

The Israeli airstrikes have been among the most intense in modern warfare, with nearly 30,000 munitions dropped within the first seven weeks of the conflict alone. Despite the overwhelming number of casualties and destruction, rescuers like al-Shaghnobi press on, aware that they can save only a few lives each day yet continuing their work because it is all they can do. ' Amid these dire conditions, there is a disturbing lack of psychological support, even as the emotional and mental toll on the rescuers grows heavier. These workers are not just facing the devastation caused by the bombings but also the loss of colleagues, exhaustion, and the constant threat of death. The Israeli government's role in perpetuating this conflict, with our tax dollars, cannot be ignored. It is time to recognize the brutal consequences of occupation and support for such acts, while amplifying the voices of those who continue to suffer.