Key Takeaways

  • Majd al-Shaghnobi, a 15-year-old Gazan boy, became the first Gazan child to receive medical treatment in the UK since the Israel-Gaza conflict escalated two years ago.
  • Project Pure Hope, a volunteer medical initiative, facilitated Majd's evacuation and highlighted delays in UK government support for injured Gazan children.
  • Over 50,000 Palestinian children have been killed or wounded in the conflict, with widespread starvation and medical shortages exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
  • Majd's treatment involves complex surgeries to reconstruct his face and jaw, funded by private donations, as his family remains separated from relatives still in Gaza.
  • Two other Gazan girls, Rama and Ghena, were previously evacuated to the UK for lifesaving surgeries, but their families continue to face dire conditions in Gaza.

**CATEGORY:** *World News*

**TAGS:** *Gaza, War Injuries, UK Aid, Israel-Gaza Conflict, Children in War*

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### **Gazan Teen Arrives in UK for Life-Changing War Injury Treatment Amid Growing Humanitarian Crisis**

Majd al-Shaghnobi, a 15-year-old Palestinian boy from Gaza, has arrived in the UK for urgent medical treatment, becoming the first Gazan child to receive such care in Britain since the conflict escalated nearly two years ago. His arrival marks a critical step in efforts to help injured children trapped by the ongoing crisis, with over 50,000 young Palestinians reportedly killed or wounded, according to UNICEF.

#### **A Desperate Journey for Survival**
Majd was gathering humanitarian aid in northern Gaza in February 2024 when an Israeli tank shell exploded nearby, shattering his jawbone and severely injuring his leg. He was rushed to a local hospital, where doctors fought to save his life. After months of treatment in Gaza, followed by further care in Egypt, he was finally evacuated to London with his mother, brother, and sister.

Speaking through a translator, Majd said: *"I’m happy to be in England and to get treatment. I dream of being able to eat and speak properly again."* His injuries have left him unable to smile or communicate freely, and he now relies on a surgical mask to protect his fragile condition.

#### **A Collective Effort to Save Lives**
Majd’s journey was made possible by **Project Pure Hope**, an initiative by volunteer medical professionals who have worked tirelessly since November 2023 to bring injured Gazan children to the UK for specialized care. The group has identified **30 critically injured children** in need of urgent treatment and has criticized delays in government support.

*"The UK has some of the world’s best pediatric facilities, yet it’s lagging behind other nations in offering help,"* said Omar Din, co-founder of Project Pure Hope. *"Every day counts—we cannot afford to wait as children suffer."*

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently pledged to evacuate more injured children, but details remain scarce. Meanwhile, Majd’s medical team—led by **Professor Noor ul Owase Jeelani** of Great Ormond Street Hospital—will perform intricate surgeries to reconstruct his face and jaw, funded entirely by private donations.

*"Our goal is to give Majd a functional face so he can eat, speak, and express himself again,"* Professor Jeelani explained. *"We hope this is just the beginning—we have a moral duty to help many more like him."*

#### **Other Children Receive Lifesaving Treatment**
Majd’s arrival follows the successful evacuation of **two other Gazan girls—Rama, 13, and Ghena, 5**—who were brought to London in April for privately funded surgeries. Rama has gained weight after undergoing exploratory surgery for a serious bowel condition, while Ghena has had laser treatment to save her left eye.

However, their mothers remain deeply worried about family members still in Gaza, struggling with starvation and violence. *"Friends back home haven’t found bread in days,"* Rama said. *"I feel like I’m still there with them—I don’t want to eat when they’re hungry."*

UN experts warn that **widespread starvation and lack of medical care are driving up hunger-related deaths in Gaza**, making evacuation efforts even more urgent. As Majd prepares for his surgeries, he too fears for his brothers still trapped in the conflict zone. *"I just want them to be safe,"* he said.

With **Project Pure Hope** pushing for more evacuations, Majd’s story serves as both a symbol of hope and a reminder of the thousands of children still in dire need.

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*(This article is based on reporting by Caroline Hawley for BBC News.)*

Tags:

#Gaza #Israel-Gaza conflict #War Injuries #UK Aid #a 15-year-old Palestinian boy from Gaza #has arrived in the UK for urgent medical treatment #with over 50 #followed by further care in Egypt #he was finally evacuated to London with his mother #brother #and sister. Speaking through a translator #"* said Omar Din #but details remain scarce. Meanwhile #speak #and express himself again #13 #and Ghena