Surgeons in Gaza: Inside the First Hours of Deployment 17

Saving a life is one of the most extraordinary acts of service. In Gaza, where hospitals have been pushed far beyond collapse, every surgical team deployed brings urgent relief to people who have endured unimaginable hardship. As part of Deployment 17, Islamic Help, in partnership with IDEALS, has sent UK surgeons to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis to support exhausted Palestinian medical teams who have been working relentlessly for over two years.

Despite a fragile ceasefire, trauma cases continue to arrive daily: acute blast injuries, new gunshot wounds, and long-term complications from two years of conflict. Within hours of arrival, the surgeons were already treating multiple cases, providing critical care in a system that desperately needs support. This update shares their first reflections from inside Gaza and highlights why continued aid remains essential.

Who are the surgeons serving in Gaza, and why does this mission matter?

Deployment 17 consists of specialised volunteer surgeons who have left behind their daily lives in the UK to serve a population facing overwhelming medical needs. From the first on-ground update, we are introduced to two of these volunteers:

• Mr. Abdul Samee, an orthopaedic consultant from London
• Tom Murphy, an anaesthetist from Manchester

Standing outside Nasser Hospital on 12 November 2025, Tom Murphy reports.

“The people here in Gaza are exhausted. They’ve been working flat out for the last two years. Many have been displaced. Many have lost loved ones.”

These surgeons are not only treating injuries they are helping restore hope. Their presence brings reinforcement to Palestinian medical teams who have been operating under immense pressure for an extended period. From acute trauma to complex reconstructive procedures, their skills are vital to ensuring patients receive the care they urgently need.

What challenges do medical teams face on the ground in Gaza today?

Even in moments described as “relative calm,” Gaza’s hospitals remain overwhelmed. Nasser Hospital, one of the largest remaining functional hospitals in the south, continues to receive a steady flow of trauma cases and unresolved injuries from prior months.

Ongoing Trauma Despite Ceasefire

“There is a ceasefire in place, but there are still injuries to deal with, acute blast injuries and gunshot injuries that are still happening.”

Mr Samee shared in his evening update:

While the intensity of conflict may fluctuate, the consequences do not. Surgical teams must remain ready for emergencies at all times.

Complex Cases from Two Years of Conflict

Both updates highlight that Gaza is managing not only new trauma, but longstanding injuries worsened by a lack of resources:

• non-union fractures
• infected wounds
• complications from untreated trauma
• postoperative issues from the disrupted car
  

“We’re helping with acute blast injuries… but also other injuries, old injuries, nonunions, problems with previous fractures.” Mr. Samee explains

Hospitals & Staff Under Extreme Strain

Tom described the intensity facing local surgeons:

“The people here… have been working flat out for the last two years.”

Many staff members have personally experienced displacement or loss, yet continue to serve their community daily.

Daily Pressure & Overcapacity

Dr Mohammad added:

“We are busy every day helping the local surgeons and teams.”

The combination of new trauma, long-term complications, and ongoing emergencies means that support remains essential to ensure people continue receiving critical care.

How does Islamic Help support these surgical deployments?

Islamic Help, in partnership with IDEALS, plays a central role in ensuring these missions can function effectively. The surgeons themselves expressed their gratitude directly:

“We’d like to thank Islamic Help and IDEALS for allowing us to come here and help the people of Gaza.”

Support includes:

• Deploying experienced surgeons with specialist trauma, orthopaedic, and anaesthetic expertise.
• Providing medical supplies such as surgical tools, orthopaedic plates, wound care materials, and anaesthetic medication.
• Strengthening local medical teams through joint surgeries, training, and shared caseloads.
• Ensuring logistics & coordination, including accommodation, safe movement, and hospital planning.
• Offering transparent updates so supporters can see the direct impact of their aid.

Every deployment is 100% donor-funded, making continued support essential for keeping these lifesaving missions active.

How can supporters help sustain lifesaving surgical work?

Tom summarised the reality on the ground with a simple but powerful message: “Whatever happens… we’re going to have a great need for help and support to help the people of Gaza.”

Your support enables:

• the purchase of surgical kits and specialist tools
• anaesthetic drugs and essential medications
• infection-control materials and wound care supplies
• deployment of additional medical teams
• continuity of care for patients needing complex surgery

Every contribution, whether one-off or ongoing, strengthens the hands of surgeons working under immense pressure to save lives every day.

Support Gaza’s Surgical Teams

Your generosity provides urgent medical care to patients who need it most.

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Video Updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are surgeons still needed during a ceasefire?

Because injuries continue, and hospitals remain overwhelmed with both new trauma and complications from previous months.

What types of injuries are being treated?

Acute blast injuries, gunshot wounds, infected wounds, complex fractures, and long-term trauma complications.

How does Islamic Help ensure effective delivery of aid?

Through partnerships with local hospitals, medical organisations, and international volunteers, we ensure direct and transparent delivery of care.

How often are missions deployed?

Deployments continue based on need, access, and availability of surgical volunteers and resources.