Nooh al-Shaghnobi, a rescue worker in Gaza, experiences haunting nightmares of those he could not save amidst the ongoing conflict. He recalls the overwhelming sound of voices from beneath rubble, emphasizing the emotional toll of leaving individuals behind due to a lack of resources.
For over a year, Gaza's rescue workers, paramedics, and ambulance drivers have been at the forefront of the war, responding to numerous Israeli airstrikes. Within the first seven weeks of the conflict, nearly 30,000 munitions were dropped on Gaza, leading to one of the most intense bombing campaigns in recent history.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has highlighted the perilous conditions faced by Gaza's rescuers, who often lack adequate equipment, vehicles, and fuel. They are forced to extract survivors using only their hands and basic tools from under debris.
The ongoing violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 118 rescuers, significantly impacting their mental and emotional well-being. Hisham Mhanna, a Red Cross spokesman, noted the profound stress and feelings of helplessness experienced by these first responders, compounded by the loss of their colleagues.
Since the conflict began following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, the rescue workers have struggled to keep pace with the relentless airstrikes. The Israeli military reported over 40,000 targeted strikes in the first year and deployed approximately 60,000 bombs over a region comparable to the size of Detroit.
Despite the trauma, al-Shaghnobi, 23, remains dedicated to his role with the Gaza Civil Defense, believing in the importance of saving lives. He shares videos and images on social media to shed light on Gaza's suffering, including a recent instance where he pulled a young boy, Rashid, from under rubble after hours of effort.
As the war persists, the physical and mental exhaustion is evident among the rescue workers. The Red Cross has provided some protective gear and limited mental health support, yet it has proven insufficient given the extreme conditions they face.
Amir Ahmed, a paramedic who recently left his position, described the toll of nightmares and depression as insurmountable. Having previously volunteered during past conflicts, he found the psychological burden too great to continue.
Rescue workers have voiced concerns about being targeted during operations, a claim echoed by local rescue organizations. In contrast, the Israeli military maintains that it does not intentionally target medical personnel and adheres to international humanitarian law.
Ahmed recounted the loss of several colleagues, including two paramedics who perished in an airstrike while attempting a rescue mission. Their deaths raised serious concerns regarding the safety of rescue operations amidst ongoing military actions.
Amid the chaos, al-Shaghnobi and his fellow rescuers often part ways each night, unsure of their survival. He recounted a particularly harrowing experience when an airstrike killed two of his teammates while they were engaged in recovery efforts.
Naseem Hassan, a paramedic, described the devastation after losing his brother in an airstrike while on duty. The emotional strain has taken a toll on his health, leading to significant weight loss and fatigue.
Despite the challenges, Hassan expressed a sense of responsibility, stating that if he were to break down, there would be no one else to continue the vital work of rescuing and recovering victims.