Gaza Strip — Seven-year-old Mohammed Hijazi has been left partially blind after an unexploded ordnance detonated when he picked it up in Gaza. Mohammed, from Jabalia in northern Gaza, had survived multiple airstrikes and moved south with his family to escape ongoing conflict.
One day in March, while playing outdoors, he unknowingly touched a suspicious object. It turned out to be unexploded ordnance left behind after recent hostilities, his father explained. The explosion resulted in the loss of one of Mohammed’s eyes, and his remaining eye is at risk without urgent medical care.
“If Mohammed doesn’t receive treatment abroad very soon, he might lose his remaining eye,” his father said with deep concern. He is striving to arrange for his son to leave Gaza for medical assistance, hoping doctors can preserve what is left of his vision.
The family holds onto hope that Mohammed can see the world again, even if only with one eye. His story underscores the dangers children face in conflict zones and the pressing need for humanitarian support.
