A young girl named Malak Sameeh Khader, aged 9, faced a tragic incident in war-torn Gaza where her family was killed in an attack. Despite the loss, Malak received a prosthetic leg and continues to smile. Following the attack on the school where Malak sought refuge, Malak endured severe injuries leading to an above-the-knee amputation earlier this year. Recently, she was fitted with a new prosthetic leg, and a video captured her practicing walking with the aid of a parallel bar. This event coincides with the upcoming third anniversary of the war in Gaza, a region suffering from famine and continuous bombardment by Israel.
Reports from the Ministry of Health in June indicate a significant increase in the number of amputees requiring prosthetic services in Gaza, reaching up to 6,000 individuals. The Health Cluster for occupied Palestinian territory, under the leadership of the World Health Organization, published these figures.
Malak received support from the disability charity Humanity & Inclusion, where she started physiotherapy sessions at the end of July to strengthen her muscles. Heba, a Prosthetic and Orthotic Officer, expressed gratitude towards the team for their efforts in making Malak happy despite her challenges. Malak’s uncle, with whom she now resides, highlighted the mental toll Malak faced after losing her parents and the support she received from Humanity & Inclusion.
Humanity & Inclusion operates the Nahla Prosthetics and Orthotics Centre in Zawaida, providing assistance to approximately six patients daily. The charity also offers mobile rehabilitation services in the Deir El Balah area and to displaced individuals along the coast. Heba shared details about Malak’s family background and the circumstances that led to her displacement and subsequent amputation.
The article also mentions the hardships faced in Gaza, including the scarcity of resources for prosthetic limbs due to import restrictions. Heba emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian access and support for rehabilitation services, especially for vulnerable groups like children and persons with disabilities.
Overall, Malak’s story sheds light on the resilience and determination of individuals affected by the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, underscoring the importance of humanitarian aid and support in such challenging circumstances.