Heba: A humanitarian worker during war
Heba, 34 years old, is a prosthetics specialist working with HI at the Nahla Centre in Khan Yunis City. She shares how she balances her humanitarian mission, her family, and the danger of war.
Heba at the centre is producing a prosthesis | HI
A Mother of Two
I’m married and a mother of two daughters—one is 7 years old, and the other is 2. We live in the eastern area of Deir al-Balah, in the central region of Gaza, a place frequently subjected to daily artillery shelling and the constant threat of surveillance drones. Despite the ongoing danger and instability, I remain committed to my work, providing life-changing services to individuals with amputations.
Continuing to Support People
I work morning shifts at the centre. It takes me about an hour and a half to reach work using the organization’s vehicle. I will continue my work for as long as movement is still possible and the security situation allows it.
Every day, I face the heart-wrenching decision of leaving my daughters behind. I constantly worry about their safety while I’m at work, but I believe in the importance of my role—as a mother and as a professional helping people regain their mobility and dignity. During my work hours, my husband takes care of our daughters. He lost his job because of the war, so he’s the one managing things at home now.
My Family Is Always on My Mind
When I’m at work, I’m always thinking about my family—especially since we live near the eastern border, where our home could be shelled at any moment. It’s hard to stay focused. But knowing I have a purpose, and that people depend on me, gives me the strength to carry on. Monitoring patients and focusing on their care helps distract me from my worries.
Recently, we expanded the centre’s service days from three days a week to a full five-day schedule, from Sunday to Thursday. This change allows us to reach more people and improve the quality of care we provide to individuals with disabilities.
Teaching My Daughter, Caring for My Mother
In my limited free time, I focus on two things. First, I teach my daughter Sham—she missed crucial foundational education, like first and second grade, so I’m helping her learn to read and write. Second, I care for my mother, who suffered a stroke during the war. I can only visit her on weekends, because I’m committed to my shifts at the prosthetics workshop during the week.
Carrying the Weight of It All
The hardest part is balancing everything—being a working woman, a mother, and a caregiver for my sick mother. On top of that, the gas shortage makes life even more difficult. After work, I have to cook on an open fire, which takes hours.
My mother lives in the far west of Deir al-Balah, and I live in the far east. With no fuel, I can’t rely on cars, so I often have to walk long distances with my children to visit her—always afraid we might be exposed to shelling or missiles along the way.
Every day is a struggle
I’m constantly torn between work, family, and caregiving. The emotional and physical toll is heavy—but I keep going. For my daughters. For my mother. For the people who depend on me at work.
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The Nahla Prosthetics & Orthotics Center in Khan Younis provides temporary prosthetic devices for individuals in need. It was named after our late colleague Nahla, who was tragically killed along with her children during the war, in December 2023 while seeking shelter in the Al Nuseirat refugee camp.
