A child’s joy in Gaza: ‘I am overjoyed that I can walk again’

Six-year-old Malak Khaled Abu Hamra can dream again.

But it has not been easy to do so.

She and her 11-year-old brother, Mohammad Abu Hamra were at home with their parents when the family was struck by a tank shelling.

Their father was killed instantly.

Mohammad and Malak were severely injured, while their mother sustained fractures in her shin bones.

Malak suffered a traumatic brain injury that left her partially paralysed and unable to move on one side of her body, a condition known medically as hemiparesis. Little Malak could not move on her own, as she faced a life of severe pain, poor muscle power, abnormal posture.

Her brother Mohammad was paralysed in his legs and lower body, leaving him fully dependent on others for any kind of mobility.

The family could not access adequate care for a prolonged period due to limited rehabilitation services. Severe shortages in rehabilitation bed made it even harder for the two children to get the help they needed.

But all that changed with funding support from the OCHA-managed Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian Fund (oPt HF), which enabled WHO to support Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis in expanding its rehabilitation capacity to 100 beds.

This made it possible for both children to be admitted, beginning their rehabilitation journey. Their mother was admitted, too, ensuring family reunification during their recovery.

Through a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that involved physical and psychosocial therapy, Malak achieved remarkable progress.

Her muscle tone normalized, her strength improved to good levels, her balance became strong, and she gained independence in daily tasks.

Today, despite a deformity in her elbow, she is interactive, confident, and her willpower shines brighter than ever.

“I am overjoyed that I can walk again,” Malak said. “I can play with my friends and feel the simple joys of life. My greatest dream now is to run one day, freely and fully, just like I used to.”

While her progress is significant, her journey is not yet complete. Malak still requires continued rehabilitation support, psychosocial care, and step-by-step reintegration into the community to fully restore her participation, dignity, and quality of life.

Malak’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of rehabilitation, turning trauma into independence and hope.

The generosity of funding partners to the OCHA-managed oPt HF and implementation by WHO made the support provided to Malak and her brother possible.

You can help children like Malak and Mohammad to live and dream again by contributing here.

Posted February 2026.

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