In brief
Raseel al‑Balawi, a six‑year‑old girl from Gaza’s al‑Mawasi camp, has endured over 20 emergency surgeries since an Israeli helicopter attack damaged her tent in late July. Witnesses report the strike caused extensive burns and open wounds, leading to frequent operations to prevent infections. Despite Israel’s statement that it has no record of the attack and regrets harm to civilians, the ongoing surgical procedures highlight the humanitarian toll of the conflict. BBC’s Eye Investigations documented Raseel’s ordeal, and the BBC World Service filmed this summer to showcase how children cope amid the destruction of essential infrastructure.
Raseel al‑Balawi is a six‑year‑old girl from the al‑Mawasi camp in Gaza who has undergone more than 20 emergency surgeries since a late‑July Israeli helicopter strike reportedly damaged the shelter in which she lived.
Witnesses say the attack left her with extensive burns and open wounds that have become a breeding ground for infection. Doctors now perform frequent operations to try and control the infections, a process that has taken a heavy toll on both the girl and her family.
Israel’s military has stated it has no record of the strike and expressed regret for any harm to civilians. The incident underscores the ongoing risk posed to civilian populations in the fighting‑ridden Gaza Strip.
BBC’s Eye Investigations team spent the summer in Gaza following Raseel’s treatment, documenting the challenges that local health professionals face amid the conflict. The BBC World Service filmed across the region to highlight how children are coping with the near‑total collapse of the infrastructure they rely on for survival.
You can watch the full film and learn more about the situation on the BBC iPlayer: full film on iPlayer.
