In Rafah, Gaza, scenes of horror have unfolded at one of the few remaining functioning hospitals, as U.S. medical volunteers grapple with the devastating effects of Israeli military operations and border closures after seven months of war. The dire situation is illustrated by the heart-wrenching accounts of highly skilled physicians who are seeing unprecedented cases of injuries and deaths.

Dr. Usman Shah, part of a team of U.S. and U.S.-trained doctors, describes the limitations they face in treating patients. In a video conversation with Dr. Ammar Ghanem, the vice president of the Syrian American Medical Society, Shah shares the tragic story of a patient wounded in an explosion. Despite their efforts to save the patient's life, they were unable to suture a hole in the heart, leading to fatal blood loss.

As Israel closes the main border crossing, preventing the U.S. medical volunteers from leaving, conditions in Rafah continue to deteriorate. Many local physicians and nurses are unable to come to work due to the need to evacuate their families. The experienced conflict zone volunteers are overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the crisis.

Ghanem emphasizes the desperation faced by healthcare workers, explaining that they have been forced to prioritize patient lives, a concept he never had to confront before his arrival in Gaza. Lack of resources and equipment result in heartbreaking decisions, such as halting treatment for patients or not having strong enough sedatives to provide adequate pain relief.

The severe shortage of medical supplies is further compounded by Israel's restrictions on essential items, which it claims could be used for military purposes by Hamas. The ban on critical supplies, including some water disinfection materials, has led to long delays and a spiraling humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations and international aid agencies.

Despite promises by Israel, under pressure from the United States, to improve coordination and allow more aid into Gaza, major international organizations state that those pledges have not been fulfilled. A statement by seven major aid organizations expresses deep concern over Israel's failure to address the dire challenges facing Gaza's 2.3 million residents.

The situation in Rafah is dire, with families resorting to makeshift tents on sidewalks, in graveyards, and even on the beach, where there is no access to clean water or sanitation. Medical workers report an increase in complications due to malnutrition, as trauma cases are exacerbated by inadequate nutrition and lack of proper wound management supplies.

The lack of fuel further worsens the crisis, as it cripples essential operations. Without fuel, water cannot be pumped, lights in hospitals cannot be kept on, and aid distribution vehicles cannot function. While Israel claims to have transferred a significant amount of fuel, aid organizations confirm that much more is needed to sustain operations on a daily basis.

The international community, including the White House, has called for the immediate opening of the Rafah crossing to allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in desperate need. U.S. national security spokesman John Kirby underscores the urgent need for aid and emphasizes that every day the crossing remains closed, more suffering ensues.

Meanwhile, medical volunteers like Monica Johnston from Portland, Oregon, are witnessing the devastating consequences of the crisis firsthand. Johnston, a burn nurse, shares that they are running out of essential medicines and are struggling to keep patients alive and comfortable.

As the situation in Gaza reaches a tipping point, hope for a ceasefire is the only glimmer of relief for these dedicated volunteers. The ceasefire would not only facilitate the completion of their mission but also enable new help and supplies to arrive, and ultimately ensure their safe return home.