LEXINGTON, Ky. — The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a tragic outcome for many, with recent reports indicating that more than 44,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives, according to the United Nations. Amidst this crisis, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy named Mustafa arrived on Monday evening in Lexington to receive vital medical care at Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Accompanied by his mother, Mustafa was greeted by a crowd of supporters at the Blue Grass Airport. “We were all here with a smile on our face, honored and feeling just super lucky to host one of the heroes from Gaza here in Lexington,” said Hannah Isa, one of those present to welcome him.
Mustafa suffered severe injuries last October as he was heading to play soccer with friends. An airstrike by the Israeli military hit a neighbor’s house, causing rubble to fall on his leg, resulting in amputation. Tareq Hailat, director of global patient affairs with the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, stated, “Gaza has the highest number of child amputees per capita in the world.”
Due to the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure since the war began, complex surgical procedures are increasingly rare, leading to a high number of amputations—many performed without anesthesia. “Several of the children, including Mustafa, have had to have their leg amputated without anesthesia,” Hailat added.
The conflict, which erupted on October 7, 2023, has seen over 1,200 people killed in Israel due to Hamas attacks. In parallel, thousands of Palestinians have been injured. Mustafa is among a group of children being evacuated from Gaza as part of what is the largest medical evacuation by a non-governmental organization, with only eight children making the trip.
“For eight children to be the single largest convoy should just show you how complex of a system it is to be able to take these children out,” Hailat remarked.
Upon arrival, Mustafa was welcomed with cheers and gifts, though the joy was tinged with sadness for those left behind. “I’m happy he’s here, but I’m also sad for all the other kids that didn’t have the opportunity to leave,” said Suemia Elharezi, who will host Mustafa and his mother.
At Shriners Children’s Hospital, Mustafa will undergo evaluation to determine if further surgery is required. Following that, he is expected to receive a prosthetic device and enter rehabilitation to learn how to walk again.
The plight of children like Mustafa underscores the urgent need for humanitarian support and medical assistance for those affected by the conflict.
