Ghassan Abu Sittah aids injured children from Gaza and Lebanon
- A private fund established by Ghassan Abu Sittah supports children injured by conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza.
- 12-year-old Zahra suffered serious injuries during a missile attack and requires extensive surgery.
- The fund highlights the humanitarian crisis due to ongoing conflicts and the urgent need for medical assistance.
In Lebanon, the impact of the ongoing conflict has gravely affected children, particularly those injured by bombardments. One such child, 12-year-old Zahra, was injured on the first day of Israel's war against Hezbollah, leading to severe facial and arm injuries. Her desperate situation led her mother to seek assistance through a fund established by British-Palestinian surgeon Ghassan Abu Sittah, which aims to provide reconstructive surgeries for young survivors. Initially created to support Palestinian children from Gaza, the fund now also caters to injured Lebanese children. The journey of Zahra and her family illustrates the dire circumstances as they navigate the medical system in Beirut, where she initially struggled at a local hospital that lacked the resources for her specific needs. After losing significant blood and facing a critical condition, Zahra was successfully transferred to the American University of Beirut Medical Center, where Abu Sittah's expertise could be utilized. Throughout the war that erupted in October 2023, over 44,000 Palestinians were reported to have lost their lives, further emphasizing the tragic toll on civilians, particularly children. The fund launched by Abu Sittah reflects the larger humanitarian crisis, aiming to alleviate the suffering of those affected, demonstrating a cross-regional commitment from the Palestinian diaspora and international supporters. His established reputation in facial reconstruction has allowed him to repair numerous victims' injuries sustained from wars in the Middle East, including Syria and Iraq. Zahra’s case, along with others like Adam—a young boy who arrived injured from Gaza—highlights the urgent need for medical support amid the continuous conflict in the region. Lebanon, facing its own political and social challenges, has turned into a haven for these injured children, allowing them to receive essential medical treatment. However, this reliance on external funding raises questions about the sustainability of such support systems as the ongoing conflict creates a seemingly unending cycle of war and human suffering. The brave efforts of medical professionals like Ghassan Abu Sittah shine a light on the desperation and resilience of those caught in the conflicts, striving to mend not only the physical wounds but also the hopes of the children who survive them.