Lead
Australian orthopedic surgeon Herwig Drobetz is returning to Gaza this week for his fourth mission with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), despite the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he developed following his first deployment in an active war zone in 2024, as reported by ABC Australia.
Dr. Drobetz, who serves as director of the trauma unit at Lismore Base Hospital in northern New South Wales, described mixed emotions after his previous stint in Gaza: relief at returning home, guilt for leaving behind colleagues and patients, and anxiety from PTSD he said developed after weeks of intense work with minimal sleep and constant adrenaline.
Coverage comparison
All coverage of this story comes from ABC Australia, with two articles providing identical details. The reporting focuses on Dr. Drobetz's personal experience and the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Key claims
Dr. Drobetz's PTSD and decision to return — According to his own account, Dr. Drobetz developed PTSD after his 2024 mission. He described the experience of being in an active war zone for the first time, noting bombs, tank shelling, and naval fire near the hospital. He said the hospital's GPS coordinates were blanked out to prevent direct targeting, but explosions from as far as a kilometer away shook the building and caused ceiling tiles to fall.
Working conditions at Rafah Field Hospital — Dr. Drobetz said that during his previous deployment, gunfights sometimes broke out within 50 meters of the operating tent. He recounted that the first time explosions occurred, he hid under his bed, but added that he gradually became accustomed to the stress. ICRC spokesperson Pat Griffiths said 14 international medical staff were currently working at the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah, where doctors work every day and are exposed to horrific human trauma.
Medical system at breaking point — The medical system in Gaza is at a breaking point, according to the report, which cites more than two years of conflict. The population's medical needs have grown, while the system itself has become a casualty of the conflict.
Homelessness and reconstruction costs — Sixty percent of Gaza's population is homeless after 24 months of conflict, according to the final Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA). The estimated cost for reconstruction over the next decade is US$71.4 billion, based on a joint assessment by the European Union, the United Nations, and the World Bank.
Persisting violence — Despite a ceasefire that came into effect in October last year, violence has persisted in Gaza, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Perspectives
Dr. Drobetz's perspective — In his own words, Dr. Drobetz emphasized the difficulty of his work and the psychological toll it took. He described the experience as "the first time I was in an active war zone" and noted the impact of continuous stress. Despite this, he is returning, suggesting a strong commitment to providing medical care in the region.
ICRC's perspective — Pat Griffiths highlighted the demanding nature of the work and the exposure to trauma that medical staff face. The ICRC continues to deploy international staff, indicating the organization's ongoing engagement despite the risks.
Humanitarian perspective — The broader context of the report points to a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with large-scale homelessness and a medical system under severe strain. The high reconstruction estimate underscores the long-term impact of the conflict on the region.