Life after near death: Palestinian girl resuscitated in morgue

Key Concepts:

• Trauma and injury from conflict
• Psychological impact of war (PTSD, anxiety, nightmares)
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation needs
• Displacement and the desire for a better future
• The impact of conflict on children

The Story of Raad Al-Assar: A Survivor's Testimony

This account details the harrowing experience of 12-year-old Raad Al-Assar in Gaza, who was mistakenly declared dead following an Israeli strike on her home in Newerat.

1. The Incident and Near-Death Experience:

• Event: An Israeli air strike hit Raad's home.
• Declaration of Death: Raad was pronounced dead and her body was placed in a local morgue.
• Discovery of Life: After eight hours in the morgue, a man searching for his son noticed Raad's fingers twitching.
• Medical State: Raad had been in a coma for two weeks and woke up in the hospital. She described finding her pillow wet with blood and later discovering worms in her hair, necessitating shaving her head and extensive wound treatment.
• Injuries: Raad sustained severe injuries, including burns all over her body, a leg requiring platinum implants, ear problems, and stomach issues.
• Family Impact: The strike resulted in the death of two of Raad's sisters and injured her entire family.

2. Psychological and Emotional Aftermath:

• Personality Change: Raad's father, Muhammad, states that the incident has fundamentally altered her personality, transforming her from a bright student into someone experiencing significant mental health challenges.
• Symptoms: Raad suffers from recurring nightmares and anxiety attacks. She has experienced fainting spells when walking down the street.
• Nightmare Description: Raad describes a recurring nightmare that began after the strike, which she experiences monthly. This dream involves witnessing "a lot of scary things" and leads to her staying awake for three to four days afterward.

3. The Need for Treatment and a Future:

• Medical Requirements: Raad's father emphasizes that for her health to improve, she needs to leave Gaza for treatment abroad. This is his "dream" for her future.
• Raad's Aspirations: Raad expresses a desire for injured children like herself to have the right to receive treatment, education, and a future that extends beyond their traumatic experiences and nightmares.

4. Broader Implications and Call to Action:

• The narrative highlights the devastating impact of conflict on children in Gaza, emphasizing their vulnerability and the long-term consequences of war.
• The story serves as a testament to the resilience of survivors while underscoring the urgent need for medical care, psychological support, and opportunities for a normal life for children affected by conflict.

Conclusion:

The story of Raad Al-Assar is a stark illustration of the human cost of conflict in Gaza. It details a child's miraculous survival from a mistaken death declaration, the severe physical and psychological trauma she endured, and her profound need for specialized medical care and a chance at a future free from the shadows of war. Her experience underscores the critical importance of providing comprehensive support, including treatment and education, to children affected by violence.