A Mass Casualty Event in a Gaza War Hospital

This study examines the impact of a mass casualty event (MCE) on a Gaza hospital during a military operation in June 2024, highlighting unique challenges encountered in conflict-zone medical care. The research analyses 47 casualties received by the Shuhada al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir-al-Balah, Gaza, over a concentrated period. Data collected include demographics, injury types, and pre-hospital and emergency department treatment delays. Findings reveal a predominance of blast injuries (76.6%), with compound injuries being present in 78.7% of casualties, resulting in a high injury burden (mean 1.68 injuries per casualty). The mean age of all casualties was 30.57 years. Mortality reached 14.89%, with females disproportionately affected, comprising 71.43% of fatalities. Transportation delays averaged 18.7 minutes, often without pre-arrival notification, underscoring logistical challenges in the Gaza conflict setting. In-hospital delays for treatment averaged 17.4 minutes. Gender disparities in trauma outcomes suggest biological and sociocultural factors influencing survival rates. The study emphasises the need for conflict-sensitive, gender-informed medical interventions, improved trauma care resources, and pre-hospital coordination protocols. This work aims to inform international medical volunteers on the realities of conflict-zone healthcare and support system-level improvements in MCE responses in resource-limited settings.