Majd Alshaghnobi, a 15-year-old boy from northern Gaza, endured a horrific injury while waiting for flour in February 2024. Israeli shrapnel struck him, causing severe damage to his jaw. He recalled, “Someone dragged me to safety.”
Miraculously, Majd was mistakenly placed in a morgue, presumed dead. “I moved my hand, and they realized I was alive,” he said. Doctors swiftly transported him to a makeshift operating room in a kitchen, as the hospital was overwhelmed. Despite the chaos, Majd managed to navigate through war-torn streets and military checkpoints until he found his mother in Khan Younis.
In July 2024, he became one of the first children evacuated from Gaza to the United Kingdom, thanks to the NGO Project Pure Hope and Gaza Kinder Relief.
Majd had recently undergone facial reconstruction surgery in London. His mother, Islam Felfel, had fought tirelessly to secure his evacuation, leaving behind his siblings, Nader, 10, and Rahaf, 7.
This year has been bleak for many children in Gaza. The United Nations reported that over 50,000 children have been killed or injured in the ongoing conflict. Relief workers emphasize that stories like Majd’s highlight the dire situation kids face daily.
Adding to the tragedy, experts point out that wars deeply affect children’s mental health. A recent study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children exposed to violent conflicts are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Social media has played a vital role in raising awareness, with hashtags like #GazaChildren trending globally. Many users express solidarity and demand action, emphasizing the need for humanitarian support.
Majd’s journey illustrates both resilience and the pressing need for more assistance for children caught in conflict. The hope is that more stories like his get attention and lead to meaningful change.