Five-Year-Old Gaza War Victim Receives First Medical Treatment in Lebanon

Five-year-old Adam Afana, a Palestinian child who lost his father, siblings, and nearly his left arm in an Israeli strike on Gaza, has become the first Palestinian child to receive medical treatment in Lebanon's American University of Beirut Medical Center (hospital).

Why this matters: The story of Adam Afana highlights the devastating impact of war on civilians, especially children, and the need for humanitarian aid and medical care in conflict zones. The success of Adam's treatment could pave the way for other war-wounded children to receive life-saving medical care, potentially saving countless lives.

Adam's path to safety and medical care in Beirut has been an arduous seven-month ordeal. After the tragic loss of his family members, Adam spent more than six weeks in Gaza, sheltering from ongoing bombing and undergoing an emergency surgery on his arm without anesthesia. His uncle, Eid Afana, managed to bring Adam and his mother out of Gaza via the Rafah crossing in early December.

The family then spent nearly six months in Egypt, but Adam's arm required specialized care that was not available there. This led to a campaign to bring him to Lebanon, where he began receiving treatment at AUBMC with the help of the Ghassan Abu Sittah Children's Fund.

"It's difficult for him psychologically," said his uncle Eid Afana, who is also his caregiver in Beirut. "He remembers how he was wounded, his sister and his father - how they were all together. And he starts crying - it's difficult for him psychologically."

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with Israel's ground and air campaign having killed more than 36,000 people, including thousands of children, and wounded more than 81,000, according to health authorities in Gaza. The attack on Rafah has cut off the main crossing into Egypt, severely restricting aid and stopping people from leaving for medical help.

Lebanon has a complex history with Palestinian refugees and maintains severe restrictions on which Palestinians can enter the country. AUB President Fadlo Khoury mentioned that the university had extensive discussions with Lebanese authorities to allow Adam's entry, hoping he would be the first of many Palestinian children to benefit from the hospital's expertise in treating war trauma.

The Ghassan Abu Sittah Children's Fund aims to treat a total of 50 war-wounded Palestinian children in Lebanon over the next year. Dania Dandashli from the fund expressed hope that Adam's case would set a precedent for more children to receive the treatment they desperately need.

Adam's story highlights the severe impact of the ongoing conflict on children and the urgent need for specialized medical care for war victims. His trip to Beirut highlights the challenges faced by Palestinian families seeking medical help amid the ongoing conflict and restrictions.

Key Takeaways

• 5-year-old Adam Afana, a Palestinian child, lost family members and nearly his arm in an Israeli strike on Gaza.
• Adam is the first Palestinian child to receive medical treatment at Lebanon's American University of Beirut Medical Center.
• Adam's treatment could pave the way for other war-wounded children to receive life-saving medical care.
• The Ghassan Abu Sittah Children's Fund aims to treat 50 war-wounded Palestinian children in Lebanon over the next year.
• Adam's story highlights the devastating impact of war on civilians, especially children, and the need for humanitarian aid and medical care.