Child Amputees from Gaza and Lebanon Find Friendship After Israeli Airstrikes Left Them Orphaned

Over 21,000 Palestinian children have been disabled by Israeli attacks. (Image: Caolan Magee/Al Jazeera)

New Delhi:

In Beirut, Lebanon, two young boys who survived devastating Israeli airstrikes have formed a remarkable bond amid tragedy. Omar Abu Kuwaik from Gaza and Ali Khalife from southern Lebanon have found solace in each other after both were orphaned and suffered amputations due to Israel's military campaigns in their respective regions.

Six-year-old Omar Abu Kuwaik and two-year-old Ali Khalife were both pulled from the rubble of their destroyed homes following Israeli bombardments. Ali lost his right hand and was the sole survivor of his family's tragedy, while Omar suffered the loss of his left hand along with severe facial injuries.

After receiving essential medical treatment in Beirut, the boys now share living quarters provided by the Ghassan Abu Sittah Children's Fund, a nonprofit organization established by Palestinian-British surgeon Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah. Their friendship has blossomed while residing together in the Lebanese capital.

According to Al Jazeera, the charity has provided assistance to approximately 180 children affected by the ongoing violence, including 158 Lebanese and 19 Palestinians from Gaza. Many children have endured burns, brain injuries, or scarring from artillery blasts, tank shells, and sniper fire, with some experiencing limb loss like Omar.

Under the care of their aunts, Maha and Sobhiye, the boys have become inseparable companions. Maha made the difficult decision to leave her teenage children behind to bring Omar out of Gaza. Sobhiye, who has no children of her own, has committed to raising Ali after the attack claimed his entire family.

The boys now affectionately call both women "Mama," embracing them as maternal figures in their lives.

Despite their immense shared grief, Omar and Ali have discovered comfort in each other's company. They support one another through recovery while engaging in typical childhood activities such as playing with toys and painting. Ali has already been fitted with a prosthetic arm, and Omar will soon receive one as well.

According to UN reports, over 21,000 Palestinian children have been disabled by Israeli attacks since the conflict began nearly two years ago. These children have lost homes and family members, facing futures marked by trauma and uncertainty.

This week marked a potential turning point as Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire agreement intended to establish groundwork for lasting peace in Gaza.

US President Donald Trump outlined the agreement terms, stating all parties would receive fair treatment and that Hamas would release all remaining hostages – both living and deceased – by Monday.