A young girl named Malak Sameeh Khader, aged 9, faced a tragic attack in war-torn Gaza that resulted in the loss of her family. Despite the harrowing experience, Malak has shown resilience and a positive spirit, especially after receiving a prosthetic leg.
Following the attack on the school where Malak sought refuge, which led to the deaths of her parents and three brothers, Malak sustained severe injuries that necessitated an above-the-knee amputation earlier this year. Recently, she was fitted with a new prosthetic leg, and heartening video footage captured her determination as she practiced walking with the help of a parallel bar. This development coincides with the approaching third anniversary of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has subjected Palestinians to relentless bombardment by Israel.
The need for prosthetic services in Gaza has surged, with estimates from the Ministry of Health indicating that around 6,000 individuals require such services. These statistics are highlighted in a report by the Health Cluster for occupied Palestinian territory, spearheaded by the World Health Organization.
Malak is one of the beneficiaries of the assistance provided by Humanity & Inclusion, a disability charity. Despite the challenges she has faced, Malak has shown remarkable commitment and motivation during her physiotherapy sessions aimed at strengthening her muscles. Heba, a Prosthetic and Orthotic Officer, commended Malak’s positive attitude and emphasized the team’s dedication to her well-being.
Living with her uncle now, Malak has undergone significant emotional distress following the loss of her immediate family in the attack. Her uncle expressed gratitude for the support they have received from Humanity & Inclusion, as they navigate the aftermath of the tragedy.
Humanity & Inclusion operates the Nahla Prosthetics and Orthotics Centre in Zawaida, named after a dedicated physiotherapist who tragically lost her life in an attack. The center provides essential services to up to six patients daily, including those displaced in various regions. Heba shared insights into Malak’s background, shedding light on the hardships her family endured due to the conflict.
The provision of a suitable socket for Malak’s prosthetic leg was a stroke of luck, considering the challenges faced in acquiring necessary components for children’s prosthetics in Gaza. Heba emphasized the importance of regular adjustments to accommodate Malak’s growth and ensure the functionality of her prosthetic limb.
The conflict in Gaza, initiated by an attack led by Hamas on Israel in October 2023, has had devastating consequences, with a significant loss of life and ongoing humanitarian crises. The efforts to provide prosthetic care in Gaza are hindered by limited resources and logistical challenges, necessitating urgent humanitarian access and increased support for rehabilitation services, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and persons with disabilities.
Heba underscored the critical need for unimpeded humanitarian access and enhanced resources for prosthetic services in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the well-being of vulnerable populations.
For those interested in supporting Humanity & Inclusion’s Gaza crisis appeal, donations can be made through the following link: [https://www.humanity-inclusion.org.uk/en/gaza-crisis](https://www.humanity-inclusion.org.uk/en/gaza-crisis)
