A six-year-old Palestinian girl named Raseel al-Balawi has undergone more than 20 surgeries after being severely injured in an air strike in Gaza. The tragic incident occurred in late July when a helicopter strike hit her family's tent in the designated safe area of al-Mawasi camp. Since that terrible day, medical teams have been fighting tirelessly to treat her severe injuries and prevent life-threatening infections. Her story highlights the massive humanitarian crisis and the devastating toll the ongoing conflict is taking on young children across the region.

What Happened?

Witnesses report that the air strike occurred without warning in the al-Mawasi camp, a location where thousands of displaced families had sought shelter. Raseel al-Balawi was inside her family tent when the strike happened in late July. The blast caused severe trauma to her small body, leaving her with open wounds that require constant medical intervention. Doctors in Gaza are struggling to keep these wounds clean due to a total lack of basic medical supplies, sanitation, and clean water.

Because of the severe nature of her injuries, Raseel has had to return to the operating room repeatedly. Medical staff are forced to perform frequent surgeries just to manage and control spreading infections. The healthcare system in Gaza has largely collapsed, making every single operation a high-risk challenge for both the patient and the overwhelmed medical teams. Basic items like antibiotics, sterile bandages, and pain medications remain in extremely short supply throughout the territory.

When questioned about the incident, the Israeli military stated that it has no official record of an attack taking place at that specific time and location. However, military representatives added that the armed forces regret any harm caused to civilians during their operations. Despite these official statements, local witnesses and family members remain traumatized by the attack that forever changed the young girl's life. BBC Eye Investigations followed Raseel's ordeal over the summer months, documenting the daily struggle for survival as bombardment continues and ceasefires fail to hold.

Key Highlights

Six-year-old Raseel al-Balawi has undergone more than 20 surgeries since an air strike in late July.
Witnesses state that an Israeli helicopter strike targeted her family's tent in the al-Mawasi displaced persons camp.
The young girl requires continuous medical procedures to stop severe infections from spreading in her wounds.
The Israeli military reported having no record of the strike while expressing regret for civilian harm.
BBC Eye Investigations documented Raseel's journey over the summer to show the harsh reality facing doctors.
Healthcare infrastructure in Gaza is almost completely destroyed, making medical care extremely difficult to provide.

Why Does This Matter?

This heartbreaking story brings a human face to the statistics of war, showing how innocent children bear the heaviest burden in conflict zones. Thousands of young boys and girls in Gaza are living with severe physical trauma and emotional distress every single day. The destruction of vital infrastructure means that simple medical treatment is nearly impossible to access for ordinary people. Clean water, proper shelter, and functioning hospitals are essential for basic human survival, yet they are almost non-existent in many parts of the region.

Furthermore, Raseel's plight emphasizes the urgent need for international attention regarding the state of healthcare in crisis zones. When hospitals lack basic hygiene supplies and medicines, recoverable injuries quickly turn into life-threatening emergencies. The documentary work by the BBC World Service helps bring global awareness to these critical issues, pushing international organizations to call for better protection of civilians and improved access to humanitarian aid.