Caesarean Section Without Anesthesia: The Harrowing Reality in War-Torn Gaza
A Caesarean section without anesthesia: Painful procedure under harsh conditions

31 October 2023
In a stark reminder of the dire medical situation in Gaza, a pregnant woman was recently forced to undergo a caesarean section without any anesthesia due to shortages caused by ongoing conflict. This shocking revelation has sparked widespread outrage and heartfelt sympathy among netizens on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with many condemning Israel's role in the deteriorating conditions.
The report from Al-Nasser Hospital's director, Nahd Abu Taima, highlights the harrowing ordeals faced by patients, including pregnant women injured in bombings, who are subjected to surgery without anesthesia due to shortages caused by the conflict. Caesarean sections, a medical procedure involving cutting open the skin, fat, muscles, and uterus to remove the baby before sewing it back up, are known for their painful nature, prompting netizens to express deep empathy towards the mother's experience.
"Why is a woman still getting pregnant and giving birth at this time? Cesarean section involves cutting open the skin, fat, muscles, and uterus to remove the baby before sewing it back up. It's impossible to imagine the pain the mother experienced," wrote one Weibo user, reflecting on the agony that such a procedure would inflict without anesthesia.
Many netizens voiced their frustration at the senseless violence caused by the conflict in Gaza, with some comparing it to a living nightmare. "Wars make ordinary people's lives worse than death," lamented another user, echoing the sentiment that life under war-torn conditions can be more tragic than death itself.
The shock and disbelief at such inhumane practices were palpable among the Weibo users, with one user terming Israel's actions as a "sin" and calling for global opposition to their massacre of Gaza civilians. Others felt that the situation was an unfortunate manifestation of the transition from victim to perpetrator of fascism by Israel, underlining the inherent cruelty in their actions.
The users shared personal experiences of painful medical procedures, with some comparing their own minor surgical experiences under general anesthesia to the unsedated caesarean section that the mother in Gaza had to endure. The comparison highlighted the stark contrast between the comforts of medical care available in developed countries and the harsh reality faced by those in war-torn regions like Gaza.
"Israel showed the world what 'genocide' meant with concrete actions!!!" exclaimed another user, condemning the country's actions as a demonstration of the true meaning of genocide. Others expressed disbelief at the suffering innocent civilians are subjected to in times of war, with no weapons or means to defend themselves against violence.
The Weibo users were shocked and horrified at the details of an unanaesthetized caesarean section, also known as a 'live operation', which involves cutting through the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle fibers, omentum structure, and expanding obstructing tissues in full awareness without any anesthetic. TheUsers' comments underscored their empathy for mothers who endure such procedures under harsh conditions, with one user noting that it is unbelievable that such things still happen in the world in 2023.
In conclusion, the social media response to this harrowing story emphasizes the plight of innocent civilians caught in the middle of conflicts and the dire need for international intervention to alleviate their suffering. Netizens are unanimous in their demand for Israel's crimes against humanity to be pursued, with many calling for Prime Minister Netanyahu to face trial as a war criminal. The outcry from Weibo users serves as a poignant reminder of the powerful impact of social media in raising awareness about such issues and sparking global action for change.