In brief
Rami Qattoush, a survivor of the Gaza conflict, begins walking again after surgery in Jordan, fulfilling a dream of playing football despite ongoing challenges. His journey reflects the tragic toll on children amid the war, and showcases the vital support from Médecins Sans Frontières.
Rami Qattoush, a nine-year-old boy from Gaza, has taken his first steps after undergoing life-saving surgery in Jordan, marking a significant milestone in his recovery. His mother beams with pride as Rami cautiously kicks a football, a dream inspired by football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite the achievement, he struggles with pain and fatigue, requiring breaks to rest on a plastic chair.Rami's journey to regain mobility follows a devastating Israeli airstrike that claimed his brother Mustafa’s life and left him and his family grappling with the aftermath. After doctors in Gaza advised amputation, his mother Islam fought to preserve Rami's legs. Rami and his mother were evacuated to Jordan last month, where he is receiving reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation at a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) facility. The conflict, which escalated after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of over 14,500 children, with many others severely injured. Rami suffered extensive wounds and endured multiple surgeries without adequate pain relief, highlighting the tragic reality for many Gazan children in need of urgent medical assistance.The World Health Organization estimates that 30,000 individuals from Gaza will require long-term rehabilitation, emphasizing the dire state of medical resources in the region. The vast majority of Gaza’s hospitals are only partly operational, creating an urgent demand for safe evacuations and treatments.MSF's Amman hospital provides comprehensive care, including psychological support for its young patients, many of whom suffer from deep emotional trauma exacerbated by the war's horrors. Despite his hardships, Rami is a determined child, wishing to return home to Gaza and reunite with his father and younger brother, Abdul Salam, who also sustained injuries but was unable to leave for treatment initially.Notably, hopes are rising—a recent development permits Abdul Salam and their father to join Rami in Jordan, paving the way for both boys to receive the care necessary to regain their mobility and quality of life. As the family faces an uncertain future, Rami’s spirit shines through, and he is eager to show off his progress and live to make his father proud.
