He went out seeking food for his children... and returned paralyzed, waiting for treatment

Issam al-Suwer (46) left the al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza on March 29, 2024, heading to Kuwait Square in search of food aid. Occupation vehicles opened fire on the crowd, and he was shot in the back, resulting in partial paralysis. He left the hospital without adequate treatment due to the collapse of the medical system, and suffers serious complications while his family awaits an opportunity for him to travel for treatment.

Issam al-Suwer, 46, left the al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza on March 29, 2024, heading to Kuwait Square in search of scarce aid. Occupation vehicles opened fire on the gathered civilians, and he was hit by a bullet in his back that lodged between the tenth and eleventh vertebrae, damaging the spinal cord and leaving him with partial paralysis. He was admitted to the hospital but discharged without treatment capable of improving his condition amid a nearly collapsed medical system. He suffers from severe blood infections, a hemoglobin level dropping to around 5, skin ulcers, and foot drop. He requires nearly daily dressing changes, while hospitals face shortages of gauze, ointments, and medical diapers. The nerve medication he needs is not provided for free, and his family pays 50 shekels every two weeks. Issam is a father of three, who worked long hours before his life was turned upside down. The family was displaced to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah after his condition deteriorated. The family awaits an opportunity for him to travel for treatment and calls for proper rehabilitation during the waiting period. The article documents a human tragedy in the context of a war of genocide and starvation.