Gaza Herald _For six-year-old Faisal Barabkh, a simple moment spent with his younger sister looking at a mobile phone became the last memory they would share.
What began as an ordinary childhood moment turned into a tragedy that left Faisal fighting severe physical injuries and emotional trauma, while his family waits for the possibility of medical treatment outside Gaza.
In the Fash Farsh area of Al-Mawasi, Khan Younis, Faisal’s family had settled inside a tent after being repeatedly displaced from Rafah. The fragile shelter offered little protection from Gaza’s harsh summer heat or winter cold.
One day, Faisal and his four-year-old sister, Eilaf, asked their father, Mohammad Barabkh, to take his phone outside the tent so they could spend some time playing.
Moments later, an Israeli strike hit a nearby area. A six-meter-long wall collapsed onto the two children.
A Family Torn Apart
Recalling the devastating moment, Mohammad says his daughter died instantly, while Faisal suffered severe injuries that continue to affect him.
“Eilaf was killed immediately, while Faisal was badly injured and has been suffering from those injuries ever since,” he says. “It is not only Faisal who is suffering. His mother and I are suffering with him. We lost our only daughter, and now we watch our only son endure pain without being able to help him.”
Faisal suffered multiple fractures to his back and pelvis, leaving him partially paralyzed and unable to move normally.
He has only limited sensation in his right leg and cannot even sit in a wheelchair because doctors have instructed him not to move his back.
Waiting for a Complex Surgery Abroad
Since December 30, Faisal has remained confined to his bed, unable to move like other children his age.
His father says doctors issued a referral for treatment abroad because Faisal urgently needs a highly complex spinal surgery that cannot be safely performed in Gaza under current conditions.
“He needs spinal stabilization surgery because of multiple injuries in his back,” Mohammad explains. “After the operation, he will need intensive rehabilitation that is not available in Gaza right now. He may also require additional surgeries afterward.”
Doctors have warned that any complications during the procedure could result in permanent paralysis.
A Child Struggling With Loss and Isolation
Beyond his physical injuries, Faisal is also facing deep emotional pain after losing his sister.
His father says the child constantly asks about Eilaf and still wants to play with her, unable to fully understand that she will not return.
Before his injury, Faisal was an active child who helped his family by carrying water to their tent and assisting his mother with daily tasks. Now, he cannot even leave the shelter.
His parents are also struggling emotionally.
“Seeing your only child unable to move, knowing he needs treatment abroad, and being unable to help him is extremely painful,” his father says.
Fearing complications, the family moved from Al-Mawasi and set up their tent near Nasser Hospital, hoping to remain close to medical care in case Faisal’s condition worsens.
The Cost of Survival
Faisal’s injury has also prevented him from joining educational activities available for displaced children.
“He asks me to teach him how to read and write, but I cannot even afford basic school supplies,” his father says. “The costs have increased dramatically because of his injury, and I only work as a daily laborer.”
Faisal requires diapers, medication to prevent blood clots, and treatment for pressure sores on a daily basis.
His father says any complications could prevent doctors from performing the surgery, even if Faisal is eventually allowed to travel.
The family also needs to replace his back brace, which cost around 500 shekels, while struggling to provide him with nutritious food such as eggs, meat, and fruit.
A Plea to Save His Son
Faisal’s family says they are under immense financial and psychological pressure as they continue waiting for approval for his medical evacuation.
“All we want is for this suffering to end and for my son to travel so he can regain his health and strength,” his father says.
“Save my only son before it is too late.”
