In Gaza , a long path to recovery for one woman who lost eye , and daughter

What Happened

On October 11, 2024, Najwa Abu Atiwi, a 42-year-old resident of the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, regained consciousness after weeks in a coma following an Israeli air strike on her home. The strike resulted in the loss of her right eye, severe facial fractures, and the death of her six-year-old daughter, Hajar. Medical professionals, including oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Ayman Saidam, have identified her injuries as requiring complex, multi-stage maxillofacial reconstruction that is currently hindered by a lack of medical supplies and equipment in the Gaza Strip.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The case highlights the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the destruction of medical infrastructure and ongoing restrictions on imports have created a backlog of patients with life-altering injuries who cannot receive necessary care within the territory. The inability to access specialized treatment abroad for thousands of civilians underscores the long-term public health implications of the conflict.

Watch For

Monitor for updates regarding the potential evacuation of patients with complex trauma from Gaza for treatment abroad and any changes to the availability of surgical supplies and medical equipment in the territory.