In an Israeli airstrike, Najwa Abu Atiwi lost an eye and her six‑year‑old daughter. Complex facial trauma, a blockade, and scarce medical supplies make her path to healing arduous.
Key Takeaways
- Najwa Abu Atiwi lost one eye and her daughter Hajar in an Israeli airstrike.
- Severe facial injuries require multiple surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation.
- Gaza’s blockade limits access to advanced medical equipment and specialist care.
Najwa Abu Atiwi, a 42‑year‑old resident of the Nuseirat camp in Gaza, awoke from a weeks‑long coma on October 11, 2024. Her first thought was not the extent of her injuries but the desire to see herself again. The Israeli strike that demolished her home left her with a missing eye, shattered facial bones, and the tragic loss of her six‑year‑old daughter, Hajar, who was days from her birthday.
Doctors confirmed that Najwa lost her right eye completely; the left eye suffered internal bleeding and could not fully close. Metal plates and mesh were implanted to stabilize her facial structure, yet she still struggles to open her jaw, speak clearly, and eat solid food, subsisting on soups, water, juices, and milk.
Gaza’s healthcare system, strained by years of blockade and the ongoing war, lacks the resources—surgical screws, eye drops, and specialized equipment—required for such complex reconstructions. According to the World Health Organization, roughly a quarter of recorded injuries in Gaza are life‑changing, with over 50,000 victims needing long‑term rehabilitation.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that personal narratives like Najwa’s amplify global empathy, prompting increased humanitarian aid and diplomatic pressure. When thousands endure similar multi‑stage injuries, the burden on Gaza’s fragile health infrastructure escalates, hampering economic recovery and social stability.
The continued restrictions on medical imports, despite periodic cease‑fires, underscore broader violations of international humanitarian law. This not only fuels the humanitarian crisis but also shapes geopolitical dialogues about accountability and conflict resolution.
"These multi‑surgical facial traumas cannot be resolved by cosmetic procedures alone; comprehensive maxillofacial reconstruction is essential," says Dr. Ayman Saidam, an oculoplastic surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can Najwa receive treatment outside Gaza?
A: She has a referral for overseas care but remains awaiting permission amid travel restrictions.
Q2: What medical resources are available in Gaza for such injuries?
A: Skilled local surgeons exist, but shortages of implants, eye prostheses, and rehabilitation facilities hinder comprehensive treatment.
