A young girl named Malak Sameeh Khader, aged 9, faced a tragic loss of her family during an attack in war-torn Gaza. Despite the devastating circumstances, Malak has shown resilience and positivity after receiving a new prosthetic leg. Following the attack on the school where she sought refuge, Malak lost her parents and three brothers. The injuries she sustained led to an above-the-knee amputation earlier this year. Recently, she was fitted with a new prosthetic leg, and heartwarming footage captured her determination while practicing walking with the help of a parallel bar.
The situation in Gaza has led to a significant increase in the demand for prosthetic services, with an estimated 6,000 amputees requiring assistance in the enclave, as reported by the Ministry of Health in June. The Health Cluster for occupied Palestinian territory, led by the World Health Organization, highlighted these figures in a recent report.
Humanity & Inclusion, a disability charity, has been instrumental in supporting Malak and other patients in need. Despite the challenges she has faced, Malak has shown remarkable dedication during her physiotherapy sessions to strengthen her muscles. Her uncle, with whom she now resides, expressed how the loss of her parents had a profound impact on Malak’s mental well-being. Fortunately, their proximity to Humanity & Inclusion’s center has provided crucial support for Malak’s rehabilitation journey.
The Nahla Prosthetics and Orthotics Centre in Zawaida, operated by the charity, offers vital services to up to six patients daily. Malak’s uncle shared the family’s struggles, highlighting their displacement and dependence on humanitarian aid due to the conflict. Tragically, the school where Malak and her family sought shelter was directly attacked, resulting in the loss of her entire family and severe injuries to her body.
Heba, a prosthetic specialist, emphasized the challenges faced in providing prosthetic limbs in Gaza due to limited resources and complex conditions. Urgent humanitarian access and prioritization of rehabilitation services are crucial, especially for vulnerable groups like children and persons with disabilities.
The conflict in Gaza, which began with an attack by Hamas on Israel in October 2023, has had devastating consequences, with a significant loss of life and ongoing humanitarian crises. Efforts to support individuals like Malak are essential in providing hope and assistance in the midst of such challenging circumstances.