Burn patients face excruciating recovery as medicines dwindle under Israeli blockade of Gaza
Iman Abu Shabab, 30, stands next to her seven-year-old son, Hamza, who lies in bed with third-degree burns caused when, frightened by an Israeli airstrike, he spilled a hot plate of rice and lentils on himself in the family's tent in southern Gaza last month, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Sunday, May 4, 2025.(AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
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CBC
2 hours ago
- CBC
These Gazan families came to Quebec for safety. Now, they face life without health coverage
Social Sharing When Nidal Zaqout arrived in Montreal last September from Gaza, he hoped to have a chance to rebuild his life. But safety didn't mean the struggle was over. He soon realized that he and his family would only receive public health coverage for three months after arrival — despite having fled Israel's deadly attacks on Gazans and their homeland. "It's a bad feeling, I'm thinking about everything every day," Zaqout said from the living room of his West Island home, where he lives with his parents, two of his sisters, his wife and his two children. "I have a big family, big responsibility." Zaqout fears what might happen if someone in his household becomes ill. His father suffers from severe knee pain and his mother from migraines and issues with her back, shoulder and neck. Without Quebec health insurance (RAMQ), going to a hospital is not an option, and the options are scarce and expensive. "Not all the people have money, they cannot cover for the health because the people came from Gaza," said Aya, Zaqout's 15-year-old sister. "Everything is destroyed, they don't have nothing. They lost everything." As Zaqout and his sister spoke, their mother served dates and coffee. The family gathered close and gently helped one another tell their story in Arabic, French, and English, attentive to every detail. Zaqout expressed gratitude toward the Canadian and Quebec governments and said he was happy and feels safe here, but wishes he and his family could have access to care. "I can't live without a medical card," he said. 'I need health care after the war' Zaqout and his family arrived in Canada as temporary residents through the temporary residency program for Gazans. Their visas are valid for three years and they initially received three months of health coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) — after which the federal government says it's up to the provincial government to take over. But Quebec has faced criticism for failing to do so. More than 70 civil society and health-care groups in the province published an open letter in La Presse last month calling out the province for not providing health-care coverage to Gazans. "Quebec remains the only province refusing to insure their health care," the letter stated. According to federal data, 823 Gazans have made it to Canada between October 2023 and May 2025. These families are among the Palestinians affected after Israel's army killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health authorities, and displaced 90 per cent of the enclave's population. That same month, a United Nations report concluded that Israel is deliberately inflicting conditions "calculated to bring about the physical destruction of Palestinians as a group, one of the categories of genocidal acts in the Rome Statute and the Genocide Convention." "Everything got destroyed, my house, my everything, my business, my jobs," said Zaqout, showing a video of his former home in Gaza — a house with elegant architecture and a palm tree that once stood tall beside it. Jehan Elsayyed, another Gazan who has been living in Sherbrooke, Que., since December, is all too familiar with Zaqout's loss. She tears up over videoconference as she recalls witnessing an old man forced to strip by an Israeli soldier and her time living in Gaza with 180 people in a single house without water, food or electricity. When she finally made it to Quebec, she slipped on ice and broke her arm. Her health coverage expired shortly after and now, she continues to suffer. "I need health care after the war," she said. "I don't want my health situation to be worse." Elsayyed is learning French and said she is trying to integrate into society, grateful for the help she's received from Quebecers. But she finds it "very frustrating" to live without health insurance. "I hope that I can have the right to live as a respected person … and to be equal like other immigrants in Quebec," she said. 'We're making them even more vulnerable,' says doctor In the open letter, the 75 organizations pointed out a "double standard" after Quebec extended Ukrainians' health-care coverage — initially set to expire in March last year — until March 2028. "The same protection has so far been denied to Palestinian families, including children, fleeing a situation described by many experts as genocide," read the letter. Sophie Zhang, a member of Quebec Doctors Against Genocide, was among the physicians who signed it. "Our governments do play a role in what's happening to these Gazan families and the reason why they're here in the first place," said Zhang. "So I do think we need to take this responsibility and at least give them basic rights like health care." Khadijé Jizi, a Montreal-based genetic counselor and member of the Health Worker Alliance for Palestine, highlighted that Gazan patients suffer from chronic conditions, gynecological and fertility issues and PTSD. "These are all things that didn't disappear when they left Gaza. They're still there and they need medical attention," said Jizi. She also warned that without public coverage, Palestinian children won't be supported for potential developmental issues or language delays. "These are vulnerable families, so them leaving a country during a genocide and coming to a whole new country … has its set of challenges," said Jizi. "When we add not having access to health care, we're making them even more vulnerable." Conflicting explanations from Quebec and Ottawa In response to CBC's request, Quebec's immigration and health ministries issued a joint statement, declaring that provincial health coverage eligibility depends on documents issued by federal immigration authorities related to Gazans' status. The statement noted that the visa granted under the federal government's temporary public policy for Gazans does not include any specific designation, unlike the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel. Instead, the province said "it is a general document allowing a foreign national to stay in Canada for a limited period," and does not specify under which program they arrived. The provincial ministries said they've asked the federal government to extend coverage under the temporary public policy to "avoid a lapse" and "allow [Gazans] to regularize their status to qualify for the plan," but they say they have yet to receive a response. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, meanwhile, said public health-care coverage is "primarily a provincial/territorial responsibility" and that provinces and territories were also encouraged to consider extending access to health. "Comparisons between Gaza and other crises, such as in Ukraine, oversimplify complex realities that must be considered, including provincial capacity to support newcomers, the ease of movement out of conflict zones, and the targets set by the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan," the federal ministry wrote in a statement responding to CBC's follow-up questions. Zhang described the sentence as "shocking" and questioned why Ottawa would cite immigration targets in this context. She said she interpreted both governments' statements as attempts to deflect responsibility for an issue that is "very easily solvable." Haya Alsakka, an organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement in Montreal, described the lack of extended health coverage for Gazans as a "policy of racism and discrimination," targeting Palestinian and Arab communities. She noted Quebec "very quickly" provided health coverage to Ukrainians. "How are we supposed to believe that it really is an administrative issue that is barring Quebec from giving these families health-care access?" asked Alsakka. Zaqout still has loved ones trapped in Gaza, including one of his sisters, along with her husband and child who remain in a tent. He explained that they were living in a different part of the enclave. When they tried to escape, the road was bombarded by the Israeli military. He also added that they didn't receive visas from the federal government. His family cries every day, longing for news and a chance to reunite. Zaqout, who worked as a nurse in Gaza, shows CBC videos of himself treating Palestinian children inside tents and says he hopes to put that same care to work for Quebecers. "I want to succeed in my life. I want to provide all my experience, all my everything to these people here," said Zaqout. "I hope to complete my family here and I hope to have a medical card."
CBC
21 hours ago
- CBC
Palestinians say 5 killed by Israeli fire near aid sites. Israel says it fired warning shots
Social Sharing Palestinian health officials and witnesses say at least five people were killed and others were wounded Sunday by Israeli fire as they headed toward two aid distribution points in the Gaza Strip run by an Israeli and U.S.-backed group. Israel's military said it fired warning shots at people who approached its forces. Four bodies were taken to Nasser Hospital in Gaza's southern city of Khan Younis. Palestinian witnesses there said Israeli forces had fired on them at a roundabout that is about a kilometre from a site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in the nearby city of Rafah. The Israeli military said it fired warning shots at people it said were suspects who had advanced toward its forces and ignored warnings to turn away. It said the shooting occurred in an area in southern Gaza that is considered an active combat zone at night. Meanwhile, Al-Awda Hospital said in a statement that it received the body of a 42-year-old man and 29 people who were wounded near another GHF aid distribution point, in central Gaza. The military said it fired warning shots in the area at around 6:40 a.m. but did not see any casualties. A GHF spokesperson said there was no violence in or around its distribution sites, all three of which delivered aid on Sunday. The group had closed them temporarily last week to discuss safety measures with the Israeli military and has warned people to stay on designated access routes. The spokesperson spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Deadly shootings near new aid hubs The past two weeks have seen frequent shootings near the new hubs where thousands of desperate Palestinians are being directed to collect food. Witnesses say nearby Israeli troops have opened fire, and more than 80 people have been killed, according to Gaza hospital officials. Israel's military has said it fired warning shots or, in some instances, near individuals approaching its forces. Witnesses said Sunday's shooting in southern Gaza occurred at around 6 a.m., when they were told the site would open. Many had headed toward it early to try and get desperately needed food before the crowds. Adham Dahman, 30, who was at Nasser Hospital with a bandage on his chin, said a tank had fired toward them. "We didn't know how to escape," he said. "This is trap for us, not aid." Zahed Ben Hassan, another witness, said someone next to him was shot in the head. He said that he and others pulled the body from the scene and managed to flee to the hospital. "They said it was a safe area from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.... So why did they start shooting at us?" he said. "There was light out, and they have their cameras and can clearly see us." The military had announced on Friday that the sites would be open during those hours, and that the area would be a closed military zone from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. Risk of famine The hubs are set up inside Israeli military zones — where independent media have no access — and are run by GHF, a new group of mainly American contractors. Israel wants it to replace a system co-ordinated by the United Nations and international aid groups. Israel and the United States accuse the militant Hamas group of stealing aid, while the UN denies there is any systematic diversion. The UN says the new system is unable to meet mounting needs and allows Israel to use aid as a weapon by determining who can receive it and forcing people to relocate to where the aid sites are positioned. The UN system has meanwhile struggled to deliver aid — even after Israel eased its complete blockade of Gaza last month. UN officials say their efforts are hindered by Israeli military restrictions, the breakdown of law and order and widespread looting. Experts warned earlier this year that Gaza was at critical risk of famine if Israel did not lift its blockade and halt its military campaign, which Israeli officials have said will continue until all the hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated or disarmed and sent into exile. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Talks mediated by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar have been deadlocked for months. In a separate development, the Israeli military accused a spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defence of being an active Hamas member, according to documents it said were recovered during operations inside Gaza. The Associated Press was not able to independently verify the documents, which purport to show that Mahmoud Bassal joined Hamas in 2005. Bassal did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Civil Defence are first responders who operate under the Hamas-run government and often are first to arrive at the scenes of Israeli strikes. Hamas started the war with its massive attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, when Palestinians militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 251 people hostage, according to Israeli tallies. They are still holding 55 hostages, fewer than half of them alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israel has recovered dozens of bodies, including three in recent days, and rescued eight living hostages over the course of the war. Israel's military campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It has said women and children make up most of the dead but does not say how many civilians or combatants were killed. Israel says it has killed more than 20,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced around 90 per cent of its population. The territory's roughly two million Palestinians are almost completely reliant on international aid because nearly all of Gaza's food production capabilities have been destroyed. WATCH | Palestinians killed after Israeli forces open fire near aid site: Palestinians killed after Israeli forces open fire near aid distribution centre 5 days ago Duration 2:09 WARNING: Video contains graphic images | At least 25 Palestinians were killed near a food distribution centre in Gaza when Israeli forces opened fire, saying the intended targets were 'suspects.'
CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
Palestinians say 5 killed by Israeli fire near aid sites. Israel says it fired warning shots
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Palestinian health officials and witnesses say at least five people were killed and others were wounded by Israeli fire as they headed toward two aid distribution points in the Gaza Strip run by an Israeli and U.S.-backed group. Israel's military said it fired warning shots at people who approached its forces. Four bodies were brought to Nasser Hospital in Gaza's southern city of Khan Younis. Palestinian witnesses there said Israeli forces had fired on them at a roundabout that is around a kilometre (half-mile) from a site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in the nearby city of Rafah. The Israeli military said it fired warning shots at people it said were suspects who had advanced toward its forces and ignored warnings to turn away. It said the shooting occurred in an area in southern Gaza that is considered an active combat zone at night. Meanwhile, Al-Awda Hospital said in a statement that it received the body of a 42-year-old man and 29 people who were wounded near another GHF aid distribution point, in central Gaza. The military said it fired warning shots in the area at around 6:40 a.m. but did not see any casualties. A GHF spokesperson said there was no violence in or around its distribution sites, all three of which delivered aid on Sunday. The group had closed them temporarily last week to discuss safety measures with the Israeli military and has warned people to stay on designated access routes. The spokesperson spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Deadly shootings near new aid hubs The past two weeks have seen frequent shootings near the new hubs where thousands of desperate Palestinians are being directed to collect food. Witnesses say nearby Israeli troops have opened fire, and more than 80 people have been killed, according to Gaza hospital officials. Israel's military has said it fired warning shots or, in some instances, near individuals approaching its forces. Witnesses said Sunday's shooting in southern Gaza occurred at around 6 a.m., when they were told the site would open. Many had headed toward it early to try and get desperately needed food before the crowds. Adham Dahman, 30, who was at Nasser Hospital with a bandage on his chin, said a tank had fired toward them. 'We didn't know how to escape,' he said. 'This is trap for us, not aid.' Zahed Ben Hassan, another witness, said someone next to him was shot in the head. He said that he and others pulled the body from the scene and managed to flee to the hospital. 'They said it was a safe area from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. ... So why did they start shooting at us?' he said. 'There was light out, and they have their cameras and can clearly see us.' The military had announced on Friday that the sites would be open during those hours, and that the area would be a closed military zone from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. Risk of famine The hubs are set up inside Israeli military zones — where independent media have no access — and are run by GHF, a new group of mainly American contractors. Israel wants it to replace a system coordinated by the United Nations and international aid groups. Israel and the United States accuse the militant Hamas group of stealing aid, while the UN denies there is any systematic diversion. The UN says the new system is unable to meet mounting needs and allows Israel to use aid as a weapon by determining who can receive it and forcing people to relocate to where the aid sites are positioned. The UN system has meanwhile struggled to deliver aid — even after Israel eased its complete blockade of Gaza last month. UN officials say their efforts are hindered by Israeli military restrictions, the breakdown of law and order, and widespread looting. Experts warned earlier this year that Gaza was at critical risk of famine if Israel did not lift its blockade and halt its military campaign, which Israeli officials have said will continue until all the hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated or disarmed and sent into exile. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Talks mediated by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar have been deadlocked for months. Israel says a spokesman for Gaza's Civil Defense is a Hamas member In a separate development, the Israeli military accused a spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defense of being an active Hamas member, according to documents it said were recovered during operations inside Gaza. The Associated Press was not able to independently verify the documents, which purport to show that Mahmoud Bassal joined Hamas in 2005. Bassal did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Civil Defense are first responders who operate under the Hamas-run government and often are first to arrive at the scenes of Israeli strikes. Hamas started the war with its massive attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, when Palestinians militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 251 people hostage. They are still holding 55 hostages, fewer than half of them alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israel has recovered dozens of bodies, including three in recent days, and rescued eight living hostages over the course of the war. Israel's military campaign has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It has said women and children make up most of the dead but does not say how many civilians or combatants were killed. Israel says it has killed over 20,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced around 90 per cent of its population. The territory's roughly two million Palestinians are almost completely reliant on international aid because nearly all of Gaza's food production capabilities have been destroyed. Chehayeb reported from Beirut. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report. Wafaa Shurafa And Kareem Chehayeb, The Associated Press
