In Gaza, Fayez regains his mobility thanks to HI
Injured by unexploded ordnance, Fayez underwent an amputation. With the support of HI, he is learning to move again and regain independence in his daily life.
Fayez during a rehabilitation session | © Till Mayer / HI
Life turned upside down
Fayez, 69, is from the Al-Hassina neighbourhood of Al-Nuseirat in the Gaza Strip. He is single and lives there with his three sisters. Like thousands of others, the war completely turned his life upside down.
For him, everything changed in a matter of seconds last April. While returning to his neighbourhood to check on his home, which had been damaged in the fighting, Fayez was injured by a piece of unexploded shell. At first, the injury seemed minor.
“When I was injured, I went to see a doctor and followed the prescribed treatment, thinking it would heal quickly,” explains Fayez.
Serious Consequences
Within just a few days, his injury worsened; an infection spread and developed into gangrene. With no other medical options available, doctors had no choice but to amputate his leg below the knee. It was yet another heavy blow for Fayez, who had already endured so much because of the war.
After his amputation, Fayez remained bedridden for several weeks. He was entirely dependent on those around him for even the simplest tasks. This sudden loss of mobility and independence deeply affected his morale and led him to withdraw into isolation.
After their home was destroyed, he and his three sisters were displaced. They now live in a partially damaged tent in the Al-Qassam camp in Al-Nuseirat. Living conditions there are extremely precarious: frequent winter flooding, limited access to essential services, impassable roads, and very limited food supplies . The family mainly relies on food aid and humanitarian assistance to survive.
Support from HI
With HI, Fayez received physiotherapy sessions, occupational therapy, as well as psychological and social support.
Technical equipment, including a wheelchair and a walker, was also provided to help him get around and improve his independence.
This support has helped him regain his joy of life and self-confidence. Beyond his physical recovery, it has positively transformed his daily life: previously bedridden and isolated, Fayez is now able to carry out many activities independently. He now hopes to find a job.
