A consultant surgeon who has worked in Gaza since 2010 spoke at the Nerve Centre in Derry during the Féile 2026 festival, following a screening of the documentary Life Support.

The film documents the experiences of international and Palestinian doctors working in Gaza’s hospitals since October 2023. Much of the footage was recorded by medical workers themselves, providing first-hand accounts of the destruction of the healthcare system.

Dr Nick Maynard described treating patients during Israeli bombardment, with hospitals facing severe shortages of medicines, equipment and other supplies. He spoke of the suffering he had witnessed, including among children and families.

He highlighted the work of Palestinian doctors, nurses and other staff who continued to report for duty despite losing relatives, friends, colleagues and homes. He noted the physical and emotional toll on those attempting to keep health services running.

Dr Maynard said governments and medical professionals had a responsibility to use their platforms to call for an immediate end to the suffering of the Palestinian people.