On May 18, 2025, British surgeon Dr. Tom Potokar, based in southern Gaza, described the region as a “slaughterhouse” due to relentless Israeli bombardment, per Sky News.
A doctor treating severe explosive injuries described his experiences, including a woman with multiple fractures who was unaware that her family had been killed. He compared the crisis in Gaza to the killing fields of Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. His video testimony revealed “horrific” stories, particularly around the Indonesian Hospital, amidst the constant sounds of jets and explosions, according to Sky News.
British surgeon working in Gaza says it is now 'a slaughterhouse'
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— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 18, 2025The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reported 464 deaths from Israeli strikes in the week ending May 18, with 130 killed overnight into Sunday, including dozens of children, per Reuters.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that they have conducted extensive ground operations in both northern and southern Gaza, targeting 670 Hamas sites to disrupt their preparations. These strikes led to the closure of the Indonesian Hospital and resulted in fatalities, including 48 people in Khan Younis, 12 in Deir al-Balah, and 19 in Jabalia.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that hospitals like Nasser and Al Aqsa Martyrs are struggling to cope with catastrophic casualty numbers, including numerous multi-generational family losses. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) continue to escalate military operations, explicitly targeting Hamas strongholds while advancing territorial control and regulating aid distribution. This offensive has forcibly displaced thousands of Palestinian civilians toward southern Gaza.
A British surgeon working in southern Gaza has compared the region to a "slaughterhouse" because of the daily bombardment from Israeli forces.https://t.co/LEFSe6o5HF pic.twitter.com/6DrUqzcV6I
— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 18, 2025The shutdown of northern Gaza’s primary medical facility has crippled local healthcare capacity, dramatically exacerbating the humanitarian emergency. Medical staff describe collapsing triage systems as remaining hospitals operate far beyond capacity without adequate supplies, power, or personnel.
Ceasefire negotiations in Qatar’s Doha stalled, with Israel demanding Gaza’s demilitarisation and Hamas’ exile, per the Times of Israel. Hamas proposed freeing half its Israeli hostages for a two-month truce and Palestinian prisoner releases. Still, Israel’s refusal to commit to ending the war remains a sticking point, per Sky News Arabia. A Palestinian official noted Hamas’ flexibility on hostage numbers.
Dr. Potokar highlights the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, prompting increasing calls for action. As ceasefire negotiations stall, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the escalating situation in Gaza.
