In brief
Ivana, just two years old, suffered third-degree burns from an Israeli missile strike in southern Lebanon as her family prepared to flee. Her father recounts the traumatic moment and raises concerns over the relentless violence impacting civilians in the region. Medical staff struggle with the overwhelming influx of burn victims, emphasizing the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Ivana’s family was close to leaving their home in southern Lebanon when an Israeli missile struck. The two-year-old now bears third-degree burns on nearly half her body, with her head and arms wrapped in bandages. Lying on a hospital bed in Geitaoui Hospital, Beirut, Ivana’s fragile cries echo the trauma she has endured, while her father, Mohammed Skayki, tries to comfort her through the pain.The fateful event occurred on September 23rd, coinciding with a spate of Israeli airstrikes in the region. Mohammed explains that they had packed their belongings in anticipation of a sudden evacuation, though no official order had been issued for their area. The missile struck just 10 meters from their home, causing chaos as Mohammed rushed to save his daughters from the disaster. "The house shook. My daughters were playing on the balcony," he recalls. An instant later, their lives would be irrevocably changed.After the explosion, Mohammed managed to flee with Ivana and his older daughter Rahaf, who suffered lesser injuries. Rahaf has since been released and is staying with relatives while Ivana undergoes multiple treatments. Photos of Ivana, once filled with life and innocence, stand in stark contrast to her present situation, where many of her features are obscured by medical bandages. Despite her serious condition, medical staff like Dr. Ziad Sleiman report that Ivana is showing remarkable strength and resilience throughout her treatment.The burns unit at the hospital is struggling to accommodate numerous patients, a situation compounded by the ongoing violence against medical facilities, as reported by the UN. The Lebanese health ministry has condemned the attacks on healthcare, highlighting the plight of doctors and patients caught in the crossfire of conflict. Dr. Sleiman speaks somberly about the emotional toll of treating innocent civilians, acknowledging that victims of war often include women and children with no involvement in the fighting.Before leaving, Mohammed shares his frustrations regarding the circumstances that led to his daughter’s injuries. "A soldier for a soldier, not a civilian," he states quietly, reflecting the pervasive grief and anger that fills families like his. Meanwhile, Ivana’s ordeal continues, with ongoing treatments expected to extend her recovery. As the conflict escalates, Dr. Sleiman expresses deep concerns about the rising number of victims, predicting more heartbreak if the war persists."Every war ends with so many losers," he concludes, highlighting the tragic reality of a cycle that leaves no one truly victorious in its wake.
