Gaza Patients Await Care as Israel Begins Limited Reopening of Rafah Crossing

In the midst of ongoing humanitarian challenges, the story of Nebal al-Hessi highlights the resilience and determination of individuals in Gaza who are persistently seeking better medical care and support. As the Rafah land crossing is set to reopen, those like Nebal illustrate the heartbreaking urgency for not only medical assistance but also the hope for normalcy—a profound longing amid the chaos that persists in the region.

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In Gaza City, Nebal al-Hessi’s journey represents a poignant narrative of resilience amidst adversity. The 25-year-old mother, who lost both her forearms to an Israeli artillery strike on October 7, 2024, has found herself relying on her family in a tent in Jabalia’s an-Nazla. With her daughter, Rita, just two years old, she faces an uncertain and painful reality, all the while awaiting critical medical treatment that can only be accessed outside the besieged Palestinian territory through the Rafah land crossing to Egypt.

A year and five months have passed since that harrowing day when Nebal, attempting to connect with her family, was struck by shell fragments that would forever change her life. “I was trying to catch an internet signal to call my family… then the shell hit. There was dust; I don’t remember anything else,” she recalls. Following the traumatic injury, she underwent multiple surgeries but now struggles daily with tasks that many take for granted. Nebal’s reliance on her mother and sisters for basic care emphasizes the deep emotional toll of her situation, as she navigates the challenges of motherhood while confined by her physical limitations.

The call for recovery is shared among many in Gaza, with health officials indicating thousands still require specialized treatment unavailable within the territory. As Palestinian authorities announced a pilot reopening of the Rafah crossing for cases like Nebal’s, the anticipation is tinged with fear and uncertainty. Nebal expresses this precarious hope: “I die a little every day because of my current situation … and my daughter is growing up in front of me while I am helpless.”

Fifteen-year-old Nada Arhouma shares a similar fate, having been severely injured during an Israeli operation, causing significant facial trauma. Her father articulates the despair felt as her condition deteriorates despite countless medical attempts in Gaza. With the need for reconstructive surgery and a prosthetic eye, the uncertainty surrounding the Rafah crossing only adds to the increasingly heavy emotional burden on her family.

As the first pilot reopening day at Rafah approaches, ambiguity remains about the number of patients allowed to cross, confounding hopes for any semblance of relief. Reports indicate that the health care system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse, thereby signifying the urgency of the medical needs that persist despite ongoing efforts for resolution.

For individuals like Raed Hamad, who has lived through the trauma of a war that cut short his cancer treatment, the situation is equally dismal. Living in a devastated environment with limited resources has led to further complications in his health. Raed describes daunting struggles to access medication and follow through with treatment protocols, resulting in significant weight loss and deteriorated health.

The heart-wrenching experiences of Nebal, Nada, Raed, and many others underscore the immense human suffering amid the ongoing conflict and serve as a call for greater awareness and action. As the world watches, the hope remains that the reopening of Rafah will not just be a momentary promise, but a lasting opportunity for healing and progress.

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