Gaza: The tent sheltering displaced Palestinian Mahmoud Matar in the Gaza Strip has become a daily burden during the summer, worsening the burning pain caused by shrapnel lodged in his body. As temperatures rise, Matar is forced to leave the tent in the morning and return only in the evening, escaping a blaze he describes as 'burning his body from within.' According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Matar's suffering reflects the reality of dozens of people wounded by shrapnel in the Gaza Strip, who face compounded hardships in both summer and winter amid a lack of medical resources and the inability to undergo surgeries to remove shrapnel lodged in their bodies. Sitting at his family's home in the al-Karamah area northwest of Gaza City, 33-year-old Matar recalls the details of his injury, telling WAFA about a quadcopter drone attack that left him with shrapnel fragments in his shoulder and neck. He described his daily ordeal amid extreme heat, explaining that staying inside the tent became u nbearable as temperatures rise. Seeking refuge at his family's cooler home allows him to endure pain akin to fire burning inside his body. Matar also shared the challenges he faces in winter, as the pain turns into a sensation like iron rods piercing his body, and even strong painkillers fail to alleviate it. Due to his health condition, Matar has stopped working, unable to perform physical labor. His wife, Waad Matar, manages household chores despite being seven months pregnant. She described their repeated displacements and current living conditions in a tent, which have exacerbated their suffering. Rising temperatures increase the suffering of those with shrapnel injuries, causing inflammation, severe pain, and swelling, while deteriorating medical services add to the risk of serious infections. Consultant neurosurgeon Dr. Yousef al-Kurd explained that shrapnel remaining inside the body poses multiple risks, including pressure on arteries or nerves, potential paralysis, and impaired blood circulation. He noted that the body treats shrapnel as a foreign object, worsening inflammation with weather changes. Dr. al-Kurd highlighted that shrapnel injuries account for a significant portion of war-related injuries due to the use of explosive weapons. Medical sources in Gaza reported that the toll from the Israeli aggression on the Strip has risen to 73,098 killed and 173,571 injured since October 7, 2023.
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