French Warship Becomes Floating Hospital For Injured Gazans

As health infrastructure in the war-devastated enclave of Gaza collapses, up to 1,000 people have had to be treated in a French field hospital aboard a ship off the Egypt coast, according to its captain. 

Since November, a French helicopter carrier, the Dixmude, has been docked at the Egyptian port of al-Arish, approximately 50km (30 miles) west of the Gaza strip. The ship has been equipped with all the necessary hospital infrastructure, such as operating theaters, wards, and a team of 70 medical professionals. 

Hundreds of individuals have been seen for outpatient consultations, including follow-ups on injuries and psychiatric issues, whilst nearly 120 people have been hospitalized onboard, said Captain Alexandre Blonce. He called it an “unprecedented mission.”

In an attempt to eliminate Gaza’s ruling Palestinian Islamist group, Hamas, Israeli forces have launched an all-out war after its militants killed over 1,200 Israelis and took 253 hostages from the Southern Israeli towns on October 7th. 

Over 25,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war so far.

Most of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are no longer functioning, meaning the tens of thousands of wounded Gazans are struggling to get medical care at home. Those hospitals that have reminaed operating are far over capacity, says the World Health Organization.

Although Hamas denies it, Israel argues that their targeting of the largest remaining hospitals are due to Hamas fighters operating there. 

The lucky Palestinians who are able to cross into Egypt, such as 16-year-old Ahmed Abu Daqqa, who faced injuries on November 1st, face long waiting times for medical care. 

The doctors in Gaza “took out the shrapnel and put in two rods, but a month later they discovered more shrapnel in my knee. They told me they’ll handle it later because there were too many surgeries,” said Ahmad on board the Dixmude.

“I tried many times to get a transfer” before crossing into Egypt, Ahmed said. He was then able to undergo surgery to remove the remaining shrapnel and rods, as well as having a resulting infection dealt with. He also underwent physical therapy. 

Ahmed, as well as others like him on board the French vessel, were waiting to be transferred to hospitals in Egypt or elsewhere. Italy sent a similar floating hospital to the Egyptian coast back in December.