Majid Shaghnobi, a 15-year-old boy from Gaza, made his way to London’s Heathrow Airport, greeted by hope and warmth despite the aftermath of war that left him unable to eat or smile properly. He arrived with family members after a perilous journey from Cairo, expressing his joy at being in the UK for medical treatment.
In February 2022, while seeking humanitarian aid in northern Gaza, Majid was struck by an Israeli tank shell, which severely injured his jaw and leg. “They thought I was dead,” Majid recalled, explaining how he had to signal he was alive after the explosion. He received immediate care in Gaza and was later evacuated to Egypt for additional treatment.
Now in London, he is set to undergo surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital to fix his jaw and improve his facial functions. Majid's arrival is particularly significant; he is the first Gazan child allowed to receive treatment in the UK amid ongoing conflicts that have reportedly injured over 50,000 children, according to UNICEF.
A collective of volunteer medical professionals formed Project Pure Hope to bring injured Gazan children to the UK. This initiative, backed by private donations, aims to mitigate the healthcare crisis faced by these children. “The UK is home to some of the best pediatric facilities in the world," the project emphasized.
Project Pure Hope hopes to bring more children, having identified 30 critically injured kids in Gaza who require similar assistance. The urgency for help is palpable, as many face life-threatening conditions exacerbated by ongoing warfare.
In addition to Majid, the group had previously secured treatment for two girls who were evacuated to Egypt: 13-year-old Rama and 5-year-old Ghena. Both girls have undergone surgery and are recovering well, but they worry about their family members in Gaza, struggling amidst food shortages and insecurity.
While Majid looks forward to his surgery, he remains fearful for his brothers back home in Gaza, echoing the sentiments of many displaced families. “I just want them to be safe,” he stated, highlighting the urgent call for action to protect innocent lives amidst ongoing conflict. The work of Project Pure Hope continues, fueled by a vision of safety and recovery for countless children like Majid.
