A young girl named Malak Sameeh Khader faced tragedy in war-torn Gaza when she lost her family in an attack. Despite her hardships, she bravely smiles after receiving a prosthetic leg. Malak, aged 9, sought refuge in a school that was hit during the attack, resulting in the loss of her parents and three brothers. Due to severe injuries, Malak underwent an above-the-knee amputation earlier this year. Recently, she was fitted with a new prosthetic leg, and heartening footage shows her practicing walking with the help of a parallel bar.
The conflict in Gaza has led to a significant increase in the number of amputees requiring prosthetic services, with estimates reaching 6,000, according to the Ministry of Health. Malak is one of the beneficiaries receiving assistance from the disability charity Humanity & Inclusion. Despite the trauma she has faced, Malak showed great commitment during her physiotherapy sessions to regain strength and mobility. The charity’s Prosthetic and Orthotic Officer, Heba, commended Malak’s determination and shared that the entire team is dedicated to supporting her in every possible way.
Following the loss of her family, Malak now resides with her uncle, who highlighted the mental toll the tragedy took on her. The family’s displacement led them to live in a tent near Humanity & Inclusion’s center, where Malak receives ongoing support. The charity operates the Nahla Prosthetics and Orthotics Centre in Zawaida, providing daily assistance to up to six patients. Heba emphasized the challenges faced in providing prosthetic services for children, mentioning the need for regular adjustments due to their growth.
In recounting the tragic events that led to Malak’s injuries, it was revealed that her family was killed in an attack on the school where they sought shelter. Malak was the sole survivor and had her right leg amputated as a result. The conflict, triggered by an attack on Israel in 2023, has had devastating consequences for the people of Gaza, with thousands of lives lost and widespread destruction.
Heba shed light on the difficulties of manufacturing prosthetic limbs in Gaza, citing limited resources and complex conditions. Urgent calls were made for humanitarian access and enhanced rehabilitation services, especially for vulnerable groups like children and individuals with disabilities. The charity’s efforts in providing essential prosthetic services and support to individuals like Malak underscore the ongoing humanitarian needs in the region.