Days old and extremely malnourished, Baby Malak was brought to the Emirati Hospital in Gaza’s Rafah. With her family presumed dead, she was named “Unknown” by the medics. Now, at 6 months old, she is thriving under the care of pediatrician Amal Abu Khatleh. Malak was found near her destroyed home in Gaza after a strike killed her relatives, leaving her the sole survivor. Despite facing power outages and dwindling supplies in the hospital, she has been cared for with the help of Abu Khatleh and her family.
Evacuated to the Emirati Hospital due to escalating violence in the region, Malak was one of 30 premature babies moved for safety. The ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in Gaza has presented challenges for hospitals, with accusations that the facilities are being used for military purposes. Abu Khatleh took Malak under her wing after she was transferred to the hospital in Rafah and has since provided her with love and care, along with assistance from her family. Malak’s experiences highlight the plight of many children in Gaza who have been orphaned or separated from their families due to the ongoing conflict.
Amidst the chaos and devastation in Gaza, Malak has found a new family with Abu Khatleh and her relatives. The bond between them has provided much-needed companionship for the baby, who has no surviving family members. The situation has been further complicated by the threat of a potential ground invasion by Israel, which could have devastating consequences for the already fragile population. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their future, Abu Khatleh remains committed to caring for Malak and ensuring her well-being.
The neonatal unit where Abu Khatleh works has seen an increase in orphaned babies since the conflict began, with the acronym WCNSF being used to describe children who are wounded with no surviving family. While there is interest in adopting these children, finding suitable and safe homes for them remains a challenge. Cultural norms in the Middle East often prioritize care by extended family networks, making formal adoption less common. Malak, as one of the team at the hospital, has been embraced by the staff, providing a sense of family and belonging.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has taken a toll on the population, with thousands killed and many more displaced or orphaned. Through it all, Abu Khatleh has stepped up to provide care and stability for Baby Malak and others like her. Despite the uncertainty of the situation and the challenges they face, both emotionally and logistically, the dedication of those working in the neonatal unit shines through. The future remains uncertain for Malak and others in similar situations, but for now, they have found a semblance of peace and stability amidst the chaos of war.
As President Joe Biden warns against further military action in Gaza, the focus remains on the well-being of the civilian population, especially vulnerable children like Malak. The efforts of caregivers like Abu Khatleh and Dr. Salama in the neonatal unit are a testament to the resilience and compassion that persists even in the face of immense challenges. Whether Malak will find surviving relatives or remain under the care of Abu Khatleh, her story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of finding hope and healing in the midst of tragedy.
