Gazan Girl Walks Again After Amputation Following Israeli Bombing

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Rahaf Saed, a three-year-old girl from Gaza, has begun walking again just six months after losing both legs due to an Israeli bombing of her home in August 2024. Fitted with her first prosthetic legs at Shriners Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, Rahaf showcased her walking abilities with a smile, much to the joy of her mother, Israa.

After severe injuries led to the amputation of her right leg below the knee and significant loss of her left leg, Rahaf was among a group of eight children granted U.S. visas for specialized medical treatment. The children arrived in the United States in early December, following extensive efforts by the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund to secure their evacuation from Gaza.

Israa expressed her pride in Rahaf's progress, noting that the young girl has shown remarkable determination and confidence. Despite the challenges ahead, including the need for frequent updates to her prosthetic limbs as she grows, Rahaf's recent achievements are being closely followed by her family back in Gaza, who cannot leave the region due to ongoing conflict.

A ceasefire that took effect recently has raised hopes for many others in Gaza to receive urgent medical care, as border crossings are expected to open for aid and for injured individuals to leave the area.

Prosthetic specialists have indicated that for every war-related death, there are likely three surviving amputees, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. In Gaza, reports indicate that over 46,600 people have died in the ongoing conflict, with a significant number of that figure consisting of children.

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