Ambulance workers in Gaza face extraordinary challenges in the ongoing conflict, and their stories are both heartbreaking and inspiring. 

Mohammed Hajras, a veteran ambulance worker, describes the immense difficulties of navigating bombed-out streets, often forced to take long detours to reach injured civilians. Once on-site, their mission is to “load and go” as quickly as possible, although rescuing victims trapped under debris can take hours.

Mohammed tells about the constant danger of being targeted by drones while attempting to save lives, sharing the traumatic memory of a colleague killed in a drone strike, where the only recognizable part of the body was a leg and shoe. 

His personal life has been equally tragic. While on duty, he discovered that his family’s home had been bombed, killing his father, sister, and nieces. Despite these profound losses, he continues his work, feeling as he is living in a dream and stating he has no time to grieve.

Ambulance services in Gaza are severely strained due to fuel shortages and equipment blockades, with only two out of ten ambulances operational. Mohammed and his colleagues also struggle with broken vehicles they are unable to repair due to restrictions.

Another ambulance worker, Ibrahim Qadih, shares a similar story of loss. A volunteer with a background in media, he lost his parents and brother in a bombing while responding to a call. Despite the personal pain, Ibrahim finds solace in helping others.

Both Mohammed and Ibrahim, along with many other ambulance workers, have lost colleagues in the line of duty. Since October 7 of last year, 986 healthcare workers have been killed in Gaza, and 130 ambulances destroyed, with no peace in sight. Yet, despite the constant danger, they continue to save lives, driven by their sense of duty. 

Per Kristian Hyldmo