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United Nations

Humanitarian Work in Gaza: A Living Testimony to Courage and Resilience

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Dr. Younis Awadallah, a paediatrician with 43 years of experience, has dedicated his life to providing humanitarian work in Gaza. Despite the escalating crisis and polio reappearing in the region, Dr. Awadallah returned to the field, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and belonging. His story was featured in the film "The Silent Threat to Gaza," which showcases the resilience of humanitarian workers in the face of danger and adversity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Younis Awadallah, a 70-year-old paediatrician, has worked in humanitarian aid for 43 years, including in Saudi Arabia, the Palestinian Ministry of Health, and UNICEF.
  • Despite retiring in 2021, Dr. Awadallah returned to the field in Gaza due to the escalating crisis and polio reappearing in the region.
  • The film "The Silent Threat to Gaza" highlights the courage and resilience of humanitarian workers, including Dr. Awadallah and his colleague Fairuz Abu Warda, who delivered lifesaving vaccines to children across the Gaza Strip during ceasefire periods.
  • The film emphasizes the importance of adhering to humanitarian principles, which prioritize the safety and protection of workers, to ensure lives can be saved in fragile environments.
  • Dr. Awadallah and his colleagues faced exhaustion, hunger, and fear daily under constant bombardment from the air and sea, yet prioritized keeping vaccinations effective and reaching every child.
  • The film is a testament to the strength of will and power of hope, with every shot representing a message to the world that Gaza can rise up and protect its children despite adversity.
  • Over 350 medical personnel have been killed, hundreds injured, and more than 1,300 arrested in Gaza, highlighting the importance of protecting humanitarian workers.

Statistics:

  • Dr. Yousis Awadallah has 43 years of experience in humanitarian work.
  • The film "The Silent Threat to Gaza" is 32 minutes long.
  • The polio vaccination campaign reached 600,000 children in Gaza.
  • Over 350 medical personnel have been killed in Gaza.
  • Hundreds of medical personnel have been injured in Gaza.
  • More than 1,300 medical personnel have been arrested in Gaza.

Sources:

  • United Nations News
  • Time Magazine
  • UNICEF
  • Embedded content: The Silent Threat to Gaza, produced by UNICEF in conjunction with World Humanitarian Day

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