How Do Repeated Surgeries Affect a Child’s Recovery?
Six-year-old Raseel al-Balawi has undergone more than 20 surgeries since an Israeli air strike hit her tent in the al-Mawasi camp in late July, according to eyewitnesses. The attack, which witnesses say came from an Israeli helicopter, left her with severe injuries requiring ongoing medical intervention to prevent life-threatening infections. She remains in Gaza, where access to specialized care is severely limited due to the ongoing conflict and damaged health infrastructure.
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What Challenges Do Families Face in Accessing Care in Gaza?
Frequent operations increase the risk of complications such as antibiotic resistance, delayed healing, and psychological trauma. Doctors explain that while each surgery is necessary to control infection, the cumulative stress weakens the immune system and hinders long-term recovery. In Raseel’s case, the lack of consistent postoperative care due to shortages of medicine and electricity further complicates healing. Her medical team struggles to maintain sterile conditions, raising fears that infections could return even after treatment.
Families like Raseel’s face blocked roads, damaged hospitals, and long waits for limited supplies. Many must travel long distances on foot or by donkey cart to reach functioning clinics, often arriving too late for preventive care. The World Health Organization has warned that Gaza’s health system is on the brink of collapse, with over half of its hospitals partially or fully nonfunctional. For children needing chronic care, this means interrupted treatment and heightened vulnerability to preventable complications.
Why was al-Mawasi targeted if it is marked as a humanitarian zone? Israeli authorities state they target militants embedded in civilian areas, though investigations by rights groups have questioned the proportionality and precision of some strikes in designated zones like al-Mawasi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Raseel receive better treatment outside Gaza? Medical evacuation is extremely difficult due to border restrictions and the scarcity of approved exit permits; only a fraction of critical cases are allowed to leave for treatment in neighboring countries or Europe.
How common are multiple surgeries among injured children in Gaza? Health officials report a rising number of children requiring repeated operations due to complex blast injuries and infections, with many facing similar challenges in accessing consistent postoperative care.