Dr. Elahi traveled to Gaza in April of last year to help the area’s destroyed healthcare system.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire on Sunday in a historic agreement that includes the release of hostages and prisoners on both sides.
Hamas has already released three hostages of the 33 they are expected to release. North Carolina native Keith Siegel, who was captured on Oct. 7, 2023, was not in this first group, though his family is hopeful.
Israel is expected to release 1,900 prisoners in total, of whom they have already released 90.
A Charlotte-area doctor who traveled to Gaza in the thick of war is taking this time to reflect on the conflict and what it means for those soon-to-be-released hostages.
“Wounds that you just cannot unsee because of burns. They’re etched into your brain because they’re so graphic,” Dr. Azeem Elahi said.Â
Dr. Elahi traveled to Gaza for 10 days in April of last year to volunteer his skills as a pulmonary and critical care specialist. He said at least half of the patients they treated in the intensive care unit were children.
“I saw people suffering. At times, you see your own family,” Dr. Elahi said. “I felt so compelled because we were seeing firsthand imagery, firsthand videos, firsthand sound of people that were there experiencing catastrophe like I’ve never seen before.”
He says he finds cautious hope in the ceasefire news. However, he emphasizes that rebuilding will take decades.
“You cannot help but feel optimistic and happy and excited about the prospect of a ceasefire, but you have to imagine the scenery of what these people are going to be going back to,” Dr. Elahi said. “These people are going home to rubble.”
He says that rebuilding will have to focus on the healthcare system. This week, the World Health Organization said none of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are fully functional.
“Their hope cannot be extinguished. They have such immense faith,” Dr. Elahi said. “They have so much hope for the future. They speak of rebuilding today.”
