An 18-year-old girl from Gaza, Ahed Bseso, recently underwent a harrowing experience that led to the amputation of her right leg. After her home was struck by an Israeli tank, she found herself trapped under debris with a severe leg injury. With no access to medical care, her uncle, a former orthopedic surgeon, performed the amputation using basic kitchen supplies.
For four agonizing days, Ahed endured excruciating pain and isolation as her neighborhood remained under siege. Her story gained international attention when a video of her amputation went viral, prompting the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) to step in and arrange for her transfer to the US for urgent medical treatment.
Thanks to the efforts of PCRF, Ahed was brought to the Shriners Children’s hospital in Greenville, South Carolina, where she is currently receiving care. She is one of three Palestinians who have been assisted by PCRF in seeking treatment for leg injuries in the US.
This incident sheds light on the dire situation in Gaza, where thousands of children have suffered amputations due to conflict-related injuries. According to UNICEF, at least 1,000 children in Gaza have undergone amputations, with the number continuing to rise.
Ahed’s journey from a traumatic event in Gaza to receiving life-saving treatment in the US serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. Organizations like PCRF play a crucial role in providing essential healthcare services to those in need, offering hope and healing to individuals like Ahed who have faced unimaginable challenges.
