‘They’re all catastrophic’: The paediatric war wounds Dr Abu Sittah tries to heal in Lebanon

What Happened

Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah is currently treating 11 children at the American University of Beirut Medical Centre (AUBMC) for severe, life-altering injuries sustained during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Among his patients are three sisters—Malak, Kawthar, and Fatima al-Jabal—who were wounded in an Israeli strike on their home in the village of Libbaya, Beqaa Valley, on 7 March. The strike resulted in the death of their sister, Zainab, and their mother, who later died from her injuries.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The case of the al-Jabal family highlights the long-term humanitarian impact of the conflict on Lebanon's civilian population, specifically regarding the prevalence of complex, multi-stage reconstructive surgeries required for pediatric trauma victims. The recurrence of such injuries across generations, as noted by the family's history in the 1982 war, underscores the persistent nature of the regional security crisis.

Watch For

Monitor reports from medical facilities in Beirut regarding the availability of specialized reconstructive care and the long-term rehabilitation outcomes for civilians injured in the Beqaa Valley and southern Lebanon.