After months of waiting, Gaza girls make it to Italy for burns treatment

In Italy, a young girl named Zeina is receiving important medical treatment for her burns. Zeina is only two years old and has faced many challenges. She was injured when she accidentally spilled hot soup on herself while trying to escape from the terrifying sounds of an air strike in Gaza. Now, she finds herself in a playground in Padua, Italy, where she is happily swinging and laughing. Despite the deep scars on her face and head, she feels safe and cared for. Zeina is one of the few children who have been allowed to leave Gaza for specialized medical care after the conflict began following the Hamas attacks on October 7. The World Health Organization reports that thousands of Gazans have suffered serious injuries due to the ongoing violence, but very few have been able to leave the area for treatment. Zeina's mother, Shaimaa, recalls the traumatic day when her daughter was hurt. They were living in a tent in al-Mawasi, southern Gaza, when a loud explosion occurred nearby. Zeina, frightened, ran to her mother, who was holding a pot of boiling soup. The soup spilled onto Zeina, causing severe burns to her face and body. Shaimaa quickly rushed her to the hospital, where medical staff worked tirelessly to treat her injuries. After receiving initial care in Gaza, Zeina was eventually flown to Italy for more advanced treatment.

In Italy, Zeina met another girl named Alaa, who is 17 years old. Alaa was also severely injured during an air strike in Gaza City. She was trapped under the rubble of her home for 16 hours and lost many family members, including her father and brothers. When Alaa and Zeina met, they formed a strong bond. Alaa felt a deep sense of empathy for Zeina, recognizing the immense pain that such a young child has had to endure. Alaa expressed her sadness for the situation in Gaza, stating that while she is grateful to be in Italy for treatment, her heart aches for the people still suffering back home. Both girls are now under the care of skilled doctors in Italy, who are helping them recover from their injuries. They face a long journey ahead, filled with physical therapy and multiple surgeries.

Shaimaa, Zeina's mother, is thankful that they were able to escape Gaza, but she is also grieving. She lost her own mother to cancer during the war, which went untreated due to the ongoing conflict. Shaimaa lovingly refers to Zeina as her 'princess' and tries to remain strong for her daughter. However, she often hides her tears and fears about the future. Shaimaa hopes that other injured children in Gaza can also receive the medical care they desperately need. The war has brought unimaginable pain and suffering to many families, and Shaimaa prays for peace and healing for everyone affected. While Zeina and Alaa are now in a safe environment, they will require extensive support and care to heal from their traumatic experiences.