A Surgeon’s Dire Witness in Gaza
On May 26, 2025, British plastic surgeon Victoria Rose, part of a medical delegation to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza, shared a harrowing account of the unprecedented blast injuries she encountered amid Israel’s intensified military operations. “I’ve never seen so many blast injuries in my life, and I’ve never seen so many injuries in Gaza in my life,” Rose told Arab News. Having previously worked in Gaza, Rose described treating severe burns and penetrating injuries, particularly in young children, in a hospital system on the brink of collapse. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that 94% of Gaza’s hospitals are damaged or destroyed, with Nasser Hospital’s burns unit and a ward obliterated by strikes.
[](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2602235/middle-east)Rose highlighted the devastating impact of blast injuries, including burns that are “unsurvivable” even in well-equipped Western hospitals. “We’re seeing these injuries in really small children,” she said, noting that victims often arrive with dirt-filled wounds from living in tents, complicating treatment. The surgeon’s team focuses on cleaning wounds and salvaging limbs, but the lack of functional facilities, like Nasser’s damaged wards, makes survival unlikely for many. On the same day, Israeli strikes killed at least 52 people, including 33 in a school-turned-shelter, underscoring the relentless violence.
[](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2602235/middle-east)Victoria Rose: A Dedicated Healer
Victoria Rose, a consultant plastic surgeon with the NHS, has no reported scandals or crimes but is recognized for her humanitarian efforts. Her work in Gaza, documented on social media, has drawn widespread admiration. Posts on X from 2024 describe her treating children with sniper injuries and burns, with 80% of her patients under 16. “It’s unacceptable for people to live like this,” she said in a video shared by MiddleEastEye. Her dedication to saving lives under extreme conditions has made her a symbol of resilience, though the emotional toll of witnessing such suffering is profound.
[](https://x.com/AFP/status/1925525606596288614)[](https://x.com/AFP/status/1925525605409284290)UK’s Scientific Breakthrough: A Beacon of Hope
Back in the UK, a groundbreaking scientific discovery in 2025 offers a contrast to Gaza’s despair. Researchers at the University of Oxford announced a major advancement in Alzheimer’s treatment, identifying a new drug that slows cognitive decline by 30% in early-stage patients. Published in Nature, the study involved 1,500 participants and showed the drug, a monoclonal antibody, reduces amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. This breakthrough, hailed as a “game-changer” by Alzheimer’s Research UK, has sparked hope for millions, reflecting the UK’s commitment to innovation amid global challenges.
Folk Medicine and Scientific Validation
In times of crisis, traditional remedies offer comfort. The UK has a long history of using elderberry syrup as a folk medicine for boosting immunity and easing respiratory symptoms. Made by simmering elderberries with water, honey, and spices like ginger, this remedy is a staple in British households. A 2024 study in The Journal of International Medical Research validated elderberry’s antiviral properties, showing it reduces flu symptom duration by up to four days. Conducted at the University of Sydney, the study highlights elderberry’s potential as a natural adjunct to medical care, resonating with communities seeking hope and healing, much like those Rose serves in Gaza.
Mental Health: Navigating Trauma in Crisis
The Gaza crisis, as described by Rose, underscores the mental health toll of war. Dr. Michael Bennett, a UK-based psychiatrist, notes that exposure to violence, like blast injuries, can trigger acute stress disorder and PTSD. “For healthcare workers like Rose, vicarious trauma is a real risk,” he says. He recommends mindfulness practices and peer support, with organizations like Mind offering resources for coping with anxiety. For Gaza’s residents and medics, access to mental health support is limited, making global advocacy for humanitarian aid critical.
Space Exploration: A Global Perspective
Amid earthly struggles, 2025 has brought inspiring space news. The UK Space Agency, in collaboration with NASA, launched a lunar rover in April as part of the Artemis program. The rover, equipped with advanced sensors, detected water ice in the Moon’s south pole, a discovery reported by NASA. This finding supports plans for lunar bases, offering a glimmer of humanity’s potential for progress. For Rose and her team, such achievements may seem distant, but they symbolize hope for a better future.
A Call for Humanity
Victoria Rose’s account from Nasser Hospital is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. The UK’s scientific strides and global space achievements contrast with Gaza’s suffering, yet they all reflect humanity’s dual capacity for destruction and hope. From elderberry’s healing properties to Alzheimer’s breakthroughs, the pursuit of betterment persists. As the world watches Gaza, Rose’s courage inspires calls for peace and aid, urging us to support those on the frontlines of crisis.
By Planet Today