In brief
In late July, an Israeli helicopter strike on a temporary camp in Gaza wounded six‑year‑old Raseel al‑Balawi, leaving her with wounds that have required more than 20 surgeries to keep infections at bay. Witnesses report the strike shattered her tent and left her skin raw, prompting frequent procedures in a field already overwhelmed by conflict. The Israeli military denies responsibility, citing no record of striking that area, while Raseel’s family insists otherwise. Journalists following her through a weakening ceasefire have seen Gaza’s medical facilities struggle to treat both civilian and military patients, underscoring a broader humanitarian crisis for children caught in war.
In late July, an Israeli helicopter strike on a temporary camp in Gaza wounded six‑year‑old Raseel al‑Balawi, leaving her with wounds that have required more than 20 surgeries to keep infections at bay.
Witnesses say the strike shattered her makeshift tent in the al‑Mawasi community and left her skin raw. Doctors now perform frequent surgeries, each risking further infection and exhaustion in a field already overwhelmed by conflict.
The Israeli military has denied responsibility, stating it has no record of striking that area and expressing regret over civilian harm, but Raseel’s family and volunteer medics insist otherwise.
Journalists who followed Raseel through the summer as the ceasefire weakened have seen how Gaza’s medical facilities – with limited supplies and constant shelling – struggle to treat both civilian and military patients.
The case underscores a broader humanitarian crisis: children worldwide confront shattered homes, dwindling supplies, and a future of uncertainty. For a fuller look at these conditions, view the BBC World Service’s film on iPlayer.
