Gazan child grapples with serious injuries, seeking treatment abroad

DEIR AL-BALAH, GAZA STRIP, PALESTINE - MAY 14: A Palestinian child suffering serious injuries inflicted in an Israeli assault looks forward to the possibility of a platinum implant in Deir al-Balah, the Gaza Strip. After an alleged Israeli attack on a civilian tent, Hoda Hazem, a Palestinian child was left with a pelvic fracture and a fracture in her foot. Despite the grim situation, there is hope for Hoda's recovery, with the prospect of walking again hinging on the availability of a platinum implant. Hoda is currently staying in al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, awaiting her long-due time for having a platinum implant installed in her body. Initial plans for the ill-fated girl to seek treatment abroad have collapsed due to Israeli control of the Rafah border crossing. The distressed father conveyed his despair, pleading for outside help. "So, we're pleading, just treat the child, nothing else. We don't want anything else. Treat the child with platinum. This is a plea to the entire world, all Arab countries, to stand with the oppressed people," said the father of Hoda Hazem. Showing disapproval of child suffering, the desperate father lamented "What's wrong with them? I mean, these children. You're fighting against people, but why involve these children?" Israel has waged a brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip in retaliation for an Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 people. More than 35,100 Palestinians have since been killed in Gaza, mostly women and children, and over 79,000 others injured, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israel is accused of “genocide” at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered Tel Aviv to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza. (Footage by Baher Hamed Alnahhal/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)