Gaza Herald_ The forced migration of the Zaki Asaliya family from their home east of Jabalia to relatives’ quarters in Jabalia al-Balad began as an urgent bid for safety amidst ongoing hostilities.
On October 29, 2023, Israeli missiles struck the targeted shelter, collapsing the structure and claiming the lives of 21 people, including three of Zaki’s sons. The attack left the surviving family members severely injured and buried beneath concrete debris.
Twelve-Hour Rescue Reveals Miraculous Survival Amid Devastation
While Zaki and several family members sustained direct injuries during the strike, one son remained trapped under the ruins for twelve hours before rescue teams extracted him. Initially presumed dead due to the prolonged delay, he was recovered in critical condition, requiring immediate kidney dialysis and emergency orthopedic intervention for severe leg fractures, initiating an arduous medical recovery process under constrained local conditions.
Zaki’s 40-year-old wife, Aisha, suffered deep body burns, loss of her right eye, trauma to her left eye, and three ankle fractures. Her condition deteriorated further during subsequent forced displacement to Rafah, where severe congestion at a military checkpoint led to her injured leg being trampled. Initial external fixation procedures proved ineffective because local healthcare infrastructure collapsed and supplies were severely short.
Medical Evacuation to Egypt and Return to Camp Conditions
On March 17, 2024, Aisha was evacuated to Egypt, undergoing reconstructive ocular surgery, internal orthopedic fixation, and 22 laser sessions for burn scar tissue. Upon returning to Gaza, she was forced into tent living, where ongoing cataracts render direct sunlight excruciating. Unextracted shrapnel, chronic physical pain, and the absence of permanent housing present daily operational challenges for the surviving family members.
