First Child from Gaza Arrives in the UK for Medical Treatment

In a landmark moment, Majid Shaghnobi, the first Gazan child to arrive in the UK for medical treatment related to the ongoing war, has reached London's Heathrow Airport. The 15-year-old, severely injured by an Israeli tank shell explosion during an attempt to gather humanitarian aid in northern Gaza, has faced a challenging recovery journey. He now hopes to undergo surgeries at Great Ormond Street Hospital to restore functionality to his jaw and facial expressions.

Majid Shaghnobi stood with his mother and siblings at Heathrow Airport, where he expressed happiness and relief at arriving in the UK for essential medical treatment. Once a lively 15-year-old, he now faces significant challenges, being unable to eat, speak, or smile due to devastating injuries sustained in Gaza. A tragic explosion from a tank shell shattered his jawbone as he sought humanitarian aid early last year. Despite being misdiagnosed as dead at the hospital, Majid's resilience shone through as he waved his hand, signaling he was alive.

After surviving multiple surgeries in Gaza and being evacuated to Egypt for further care, he finally received the green light to travel to the UK, facilitated by Project Pure Hope – a collaborative volunteer initiative aimed at assisting injured and sick children from Gaza. His treatment at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital will be carried out pro bono by a compassionate team of medical professionals.

The initiative comes amid increased scrutiny of the UK's response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where reports indicate that over 50,000 children have been affected, prompting calls for greater international aid. The arrival of Majid in the UK also aligns with a recent commitment from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to facilitate the evacuation of more critically injured children. Lead surgeon, Professor Noor ul Owase Jeelani, emphasized the urgency of addressing the plight of injured children, noting the slow response over the past two years.

Elsewhere, Project Pure Hope continues its work to identify and provide care for additional critically injured children from Gaza, with 30 more children currently needing urgent help. While success stories have emerged, many remain plagued by the trauma of conflict, grappling with worries for loved ones still trapped in crisis-stricken areas.

As Majid embarks on a hopeful recovery journey, he carries the weight of those he left behind, including two brothers still suffering in Gaza. Amid the challenges ahead, the medical team aims to restore not just his health but also his ability to communicate and express emotion, crucial for his future wellbeing.