In this issue of Intensive Care Medicine (ICM), we publish two “From the Inside” pieces, each set amongst the conflict currently afflicting Israel and Gaza [1, 2].

We understand that our community is made up of individuals with their own political, ethical, religious, and human perspectives. We recognise that not everyone will not agree or share the same opinions on this war, but as intensivists we do all share the grounding that comes from needing to care for the critically ill. We share the understanding that we must do our best, do not harm and make the care of the patient our first concern. So, while ICM is not a political journal, we do not want to shy away from allowing those who have being doing their duty, amidst the horror of this war, the opportunity to share with us.

In doing this, we held the objective of providing a platform to voices from to both “sides” of this conflict. Their pieces highlight the shared atrocity of war while maintaining a focus on intensive care experiences.

We are proud that ICM is a journal where cutting edge research, scientific opinion and narrative have a home. From each of their unique vantage points, these pieces set in Gaza and Israel share a narrative. They are each a reality that asks our colleagues to provide intensive care while sitting in rubble and shouldering unthinkable trauma. We have chosen to respect each of their testimonies, allowing each to take individual responsibility for the perspectives they hold and have shared.

Through these narratives, we hope to foster understanding and shed light on the human aspects of healthcare in situations of adversity. And although many of us will never truly understand what it is to walk the wards in a war, we hope to humbly learn what we can.