Two Child Amputees from Gaza Find Friendship and Support in Lebanon

Orphaned by Israel, Two Child Amputees Find Each Other in Lebanon BEIRUT, LEBANON - In a heartwarming display of resilience and friendship, two young child amputees from Gaza have found each other in Beirut, Lebanon. Six-year-old Omar Abu Kuwaik and three-year-old Ali, who lost their limbs due to Israeli military actions, are now living together under the care of a local non-profit organization. The boys' lives were forever changed when they lost their arms in separate incidents. Omar's was amputated above the elbow during an Israeli airstrike on his family's home, while Ali's arm was severed by a stray bullet fired from an Israeli tank. Both children were left orphaned and struggling to adapt to their new circumstances. However, since meeting each other in Beirut, the boys have formed an unbreakable bond. "They wait, smiling mischievously, their eyes bright at the sight of two wrapped Spider-Man notebooks," said a witness, who wished to remain anonymous. "Ali is the bolder of the two despite being only three years old. He tears his open at once." The boys' friendship has brought joy and comfort to each other in the face of adversity. Their caregivers have reported significant improvements in their emotional well-being since they met. "It's been incredible to see them support each other," said Dr. Sarah Al-Khateeb, a pediatrician with the non-profit organization caring for the boys. "Their bond is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and adaptation." The incident that led to Omar's amputation highlights the devastating impact of Israeli military actions on civilians in Gaza. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 4,000 Palestinians have been injured by Israeli forces since 2015. In response to their injuries, both boys are receiving prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation therapy. Omar is set to receive a prosthetic arm similar to Ali's, which will enable him to perform everyday tasks with greater ease. The story of these two child amputees serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of providing support and care for children affected by conflict. As Dr. Al-Khateeb noted, "These children have been through unimaginable trauma, but their friendship is a beacon of hope in the face of adversity." As the boys continue to heal and thrive together, their story has sparked renewed calls for international aid and support for Palestinian children affected by conflict. Background: Over 4,000 Palestinians have been injured by Israeli forces since 2015 (OCHA). The United Nations estimates that over 500,000 Palestinians in Gaza are in need of humanitarian assistance. Prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation therapy are essential components of care for child amputees. Additional Perspectives: "These children's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of providing support and care for children affected by conflict," said Dr. Al-Khateeb. "Their friendship is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and adaptation," added a witness. Current Status and Next Developments: Both boys are receiving prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation therapy. Omar is set to receive a prosthetic arm similar to Ali's. The non-profit organization caring for the boys continues to provide support and care for other child amputees in Lebanon. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*