In brief
Nine-year-old Rami Qattoush begins to heal physically and emotionally after surgery in Jordan, demonstrating resilience against the backdrop of the devastating conflict in Gaza that injured him and claimed his brother's life.
Rami Qattoush's mother beams with pride as her nine-year-old son tentatively kicks a football for the first time since his injury. This moment represents a significant milestone in his recovery since he traveled to Jordan last month after receiving Israeli military approval to leave Gaza. Rami dreams of one day playing football like his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. Still, he experiences considerable pain and quickly tires, needing to rest on a plastic chair after each attempt. His legs—one bandaged and splinted—are severely scarred and weakened, making every step a challenge.Doctors in Gaza had recommended amputating both of Rami's legs after he suffered devastating injuries during an Israeli airstrike that targeted their family building in Maghazi, Gaza. Tragically, his older brother, Mustafa, died in the attack, leaving a profound emotional scar on the family. Rami's mother, Islam, pleaded with surgeons to save her son’s limbs, especially after his other brother, Abdul Salam, had already lost a leg to similar injuries.The ongoing conflict has led to catastrophic loss, with the UN reporting over 14,500 child fatalities in Gaza amid the hostilities that escalated following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The healthcare system in Gaza is collapsing, with only 20 of 35 hospitals partially functional, and there remains a dire shortage of essential medical supplies. Approximately 30,000 Gazans, including Rami and his brother, now endure life-altering injuries that will require extensive rehabilitation. Despite a brief reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, thousands of individuals still require evacuation for treatment.Rami’s condition worsened in Gaza; he underwent multiple surgical procedures often without adequate pain management, leading to severe infections. Ultimately, he was granted a lifeline: the chance to receive specialized surgeries in Jordan. The Médecins Sans Frontières hospital in Amman, where Rami is currently being treated, provides comprehensive care aimed not just at physical rehabilitation but also addressing psychological needs.At the MSF facility, Rami participates in physical therapy, attends school, and receives psychological care—all vital to his recovery. His resilience shines through his determination to walk again and reunite with his family. Meanwhile, he frequently video calls his father and brother, sharing his progress, and reminiscing about their life in Gaza.Despite his eagerness to return home, uncertainty looms. Rami longs for his family, which now includes Abdul Salam and their father after they were recently granted permission to leave Gaza for treatment in Jordan. The bond between the brothers solidifies a beacon of hope amid despair, as they prepare for the next chapter of healing together—Rami’s determination complemented by his family’s support propels this journey of recovery.
