Raghad Al-Farra, a 14-year-old from Gaza, once dreamed of becoming a doctor. Today, her hopes have been reduced to something far simpler: the wish to stand on her feet and breathe without pain. After surviving a brutal Israeli assault that left her with life-threatening injuries, Raghad’s resilience and her mother’s unwavering support embody the enduring strength of the Palestinian people amidst unimaginable hardship.

Raghad's life changed forever on 22 July 2024, when her home in Sheikh Nasser, east of Khan Younis, was attacked without warning. Bombs, drone strikes, and tank fire devastated the area, leaving her critically injured. Doctors fought tirelessly to keep her alive, performing emergency surgeries and placing her on artificial oxygen for a month. The attack left her with severe spinal and foot fractures, part of her lungs and spleen removed, and enduring breathing difficulties. Despite countless surgeries, the inadequate healthcare infrastructure in Gaza has hindered her recovery.

Confined to a hospital bed for six months, Raghad relies on painkillers that no longer alleviate the agony of her damaged lung. Her voice, though faint and choked with emotion, tells of her desperate need for urgent treatment abroad—a lifeline repeatedly denied by the Israeli occupation’s blockade. A ceasefire agreement has rekindled her hope, as her medical referral has long been prepared, but she still waits for permission to leave.

The emotional toll on Raghad and her family is immense. Her mother, who has remained by her side, sacrifices everything to care for her daughter. She navigates the rubble of war-torn Gaza to secure scarce medicines and food, all while comforting Raghad through the unbearable pain. “She is my priority now,” her mother says, her voice heavy with both determination and sorrow.

Raghad’s suffering reflects the broader devastation in Gaza. The Ministry of Health reports over 4,500 amputations from the recent violence, with children comprising 15% of the cases. Beyond the physical wounds, the psychological scars are deep. For Raghad, writing poetry has become an outlet for her pain. Her verses, dedicated to her mother, convey gratitude and love amidst despair:

"My success is through her prayers; my mother, a gift from the Most Merciful,
 O smile of my lips and joy of my eyes..."

Yet, her greatest wish is simple: to stand, walk, and breathe freely once more. Despite the odds, Raghad’s story is one of resilience. She clings to the hope of traveling for the urgent medical care she desperately needs, even as the blockade and systemic neglect threaten to extinguish her dreams.

Her tragedy is a stark reminder of the human cost of Gaza’s ongoing siege. It is a plea for the world to act, to ensure that children like Raghad can reclaim their futures and their right to live with dignity.