Majid Shaghnobi, a 15-year-old boy from Gaza, has arrived at Heathrow Airport in London, marking a significant milestone as the first Gazan child to secure medical treatment for war-related injuries in the UK. Accompanied by his mother, brother, and younger sister, Majid expressed his relief, stating, "I'm happy to be in England and to get treatment," despite his inability to eat or speak as he once did after a devastating tank shell explosion last year severely injured his jaw and leg.
The tragic incident occurred while Majid was attempting to gather humanitarian aid in northern Gaza. "They thought I was dead," he recounted, explaining how he had to move his hand to prove he was alive after being rescued by a friend. After months of intensive care in Gaza, where he had a tracheostomy, he was allowed to evacuate to Egypt for further medical assistance. His transportation to the UK results from the relentless efforts of Project Pure Hope, a charitable initiative formed by volunteer medical professionals dedicated to bringing injured Gazan children to the UK for treatment.
The project has gained urgency as reports indicate over 50,000 children have been impacted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with far fewer receiving the medical assistance they desperately require. Despite numerous countries stepping forward to assist, Project Pure Hope highlights the UK's delayed response. As Majid awaits surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital, his team of volunteer surgeons hopes to restore the functions of his face, enabling him to eat, speak, and express emotions more effectively.
Lead surgeon Professor Noor ul Owase Jeelani expressed frustration over the delay in securing treatment for Majid and other children, emphasizing the moral obligation to help those in dire need. Recently, the Prime Minister has indicated a commitment to evacuating more seriously injured children, but details remain sparse.
Amidst Majid’s journey, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with escalating reports of hunger and malnutrition among its residents. As the international community grapples with the humanitarian crisis, testimonies from other Gazan children in the UK highlight the pervasive anxiety concerning family left behind in the ravaged territory. With 2.1 million Palestinians facing hardship, the hope remains to bring more children like Majid to safety and provide them with a chance for recovery and a better future.
The tragic incident occurred while Majid was attempting to gather humanitarian aid in northern Gaza. "They thought I was dead," he recounted, explaining how he had to move his hand to prove he was alive after being rescued by a friend. After months of intensive care in Gaza, where he had a tracheostomy, he was allowed to evacuate to Egypt for further medical assistance. His transportation to the UK results from the relentless efforts of Project Pure Hope, a charitable initiative formed by volunteer medical professionals dedicated to bringing injured Gazan children to the UK for treatment.
The project has gained urgency as reports indicate over 50,000 children have been impacted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with far fewer receiving the medical assistance they desperately require. Despite numerous countries stepping forward to assist, Project Pure Hope highlights the UK's delayed response. As Majid awaits surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital, his team of volunteer surgeons hopes to restore the functions of his face, enabling him to eat, speak, and express emotions more effectively.
Lead surgeon Professor Noor ul Owase Jeelani expressed frustration over the delay in securing treatment for Majid and other children, emphasizing the moral obligation to help those in dire need. Recently, the Prime Minister has indicated a commitment to evacuating more seriously injured children, but details remain sparse.
Amidst Majid’s journey, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with escalating reports of hunger and malnutrition among its residents. As the international community grapples with the humanitarian crisis, testimonies from other Gazan children in the UK highlight the pervasive anxiety concerning family left behind in the ravaged territory. With 2.1 million Palestinians facing hardship, the hope remains to bring more children like Majid to safety and provide them with a chance for recovery and a better future.
