In brief
A tiny Gaza child named Raseel al‑Balawi has endured over 20 surgeries since an Israeli air strike hit her camp in July. The injuries left multiple wounds that continuously risk infection, requiring regular operations by local doctors. Israel says it has no record of the attack and regrets any harm to civilians, but families and healthcare workers describe a harrowing ongoing battle. BBC Eye Investigations followed Raseel and her medical team over the summer to expose the hard‑earned resilience of Gaza’s children.
Raseel al‑Balawi, only six years old, has now had more than 20 surgeries since a July air strike tore through her camp in Gaza.
Each operation is to control infections that keep her wounds open and painful. Doctors say the situation is dire: broken bones, burns, and blood‑filled cavities risk serious complications if not treated quickly.
Israeli officials claim they have no record of the strike that hit the camp, though they do express regret for civilian harm. Meanwhile, local hospitals are running at full tilt, with Raseel’s case shown as a stark example of the war’s toll on children.
BBC Eye Investigations spent the summer visiting Gaza to document the challenges doctors face and how families cope amid crumbling infrastructure. For a longer look at Raseel’s story, watch the full film on iPlayer.
