Najwa Abu Atiwi, a 42-year-old woman from Gaza's Nuseirat camp, is on a challenging path to recovery after an Israeli air strike in September 2024 severely injured her and killed her young daughter, Hajar. The strike resulted in the loss of one of Najwa's eyes, with doctors still working to save the other, which sustained internal bleeding.

When Najwa awoke from a coma weeks later, her initial concern was seeing her own reflection, unaware of the extent of her altered appearance. Family members delayed showing her a mirror, fearing the shock of her injuries. Upon finally seeing her face, marked by fractures and severe wounds, she recalled feeling a profound sense of disorientation, stating, "I looked at myself and did not recognise who I was. I felt as if I was looking at someone else, and I said: ‘Who is this?’"

The trauma deepened when Najwa learned that her daughter, Hajar, who was days away from her sixth birthday, had died in the same air strike. For a month while in intensive care, Najwa was unaware of her daughter's death, dreaming of Hajar and seeking reassurance that she was safe. The devastating realization of Hajar's loss came later, leaving Najwa with the enduring pain of never having had a final chance to see her daughter or say goodbye.

Najwa's physical recovery involves ongoing surgeries and rehabilitation. Metal plates and meshes have been implanted in her face, and she continues to experience difficulty with her jaw, impacting her ability to speak and eat. Her diet is currently restricted to liquids and soft foods, such as soups, water, juices, and milk.

Doctors have informed Najwa that some of the necessary specialized medical procedures are unavailable within Gaza. This situation is exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli blockade and the widespread destruction caused by the conflict, which has severely impacted the healthcare infrastructure. She is awaiting an opportunity to travel for treatment.

The air strike that injured Najwa and killed Hajar is part of a broader conflict that has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals and homes, has compounded the challenges faced by civilians seeking medical care and essential services.

Najwa's journey highlights the profound and lasting physical and psychological toll of the conflict on individuals and families in Gaza. The loss of a child, combined with severe physical injuries and the uncertainty of future treatment, presents a long and arduous road ahead for her recovery.

Questions remain about when and if Najwa will be able to access the specialized treatment she needs, and the long-term impact of her injuries on her quality of life. The situation underscores the critical need for humanitarian access and medical support for those affected by the ongoing conflict.