In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, a heartbreaking story has emerged of a toddler named Melissa who was left paralyzed after an Israeli air raid killed her entire family. The attack took place during the second week of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, and it has left a devastating impact on the young girl’s life.
Yasmeen Joudah, Melissa’s cousin, received numerous phone calls offering condolences in the early hours of the morning. As she rushed to her parents’ demolished home, she discovered the horrifying reality – her entire family had been killed in the missile strike. Among the casualties were Melissa’s parents, her aunts, uncles, and cousins. The tragedy deepened when 16-month-old Melissa was found buried under the rubble, motionless and unresponsive. The shrapnel from the attack had lodged in her spinal cord, causing paralysis from the chest down.
Melissa’s condition is dire, and she requires immediate medical treatment abroad. Dr. Ayman Harb, the head of the orthopedic department at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, highlighted the severity of her injuries. Multiple pieces of shrapnel are embedded in Melissa’s T12 vertebra, and her spinal cord has fractures. Although she is physically stable, Harb expressed concerns about the risk of infection and complications due to the remaining shrapnel. Unfortunately, Melissa’s chances of recovery are slim, and she will spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.
The medical facilities in the Gaza Strip, including Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, are struggling to cope with the influx of patients and the lack of essential supplies and personnel. The hospital is operating on solar-powered generators and has only 16 doctors. Despite these challenges, the medical staff work tirelessly to provide care to the growing number of patients. Harb emphasized the emotional toll of witnessing the devastating impact on patients’ lives and the urgency of their work.
The death toll in Gaza has reached over 11,000, with 8,000 of them being children and women. The Israeli attacks on hospitals have further exacerbated the situation, leading to the collapse of services and communications. Ismail Thawabta, the director general of the government media office, provided updated figures, stating that 11,180 Palestinians, including 4,607 children, have been killed so far. Additionally, over 3,000 people, including 1,700 children, are still trapped under the rubble.
Melissa’s aunt, Yasmeen, is now taking care of her in Deir el-Balah while they await approval to leave Gaza for further medical treatment. Yasmeen expressed her love and dedication to her niece, stating that Melissa is all she has left. She holds onto the hope that Melissa will one day walk again, but the future remains uncertain for the young girl.
This tragic story highlights the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The loss of innocent lives, particularly children, underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the situation. The international community must come together to address the humanitarian crisis and provide support to the affected individuals and communities.
