Thirteen-year-old Omar Halawa’s daily life is marked by pain, trauma and loss after he lost his right leg during Israeli shelling in northern Gaza, highlighting the devastating toll of the prolonged war on children.
Injured while fetching water
Omar lost his leg on October 1, 2025, while standing in line to collect drinking water near his displacement camp in Jabalia. He was accompanied by his sister Layan, cousin Moath Halawa, and friend Mohammed Al Siksik when shelling struck the area. While Omar survived, his cousin and friend were killed.
His mother, Yasmin Halawa, said the family had been displaced more than 15 times since the war began in October 2023. With water scarce and transport unaffordable, children in the camp often queued at dawn to collect supplies.
Living with trauma and loss
Omar’s amputated leg was buried near the family’s tent, which he visits daily. “My leg went to heaven before me,” the child says quietly. His mother said Omar suffers from nightmares, fear, and emotional distress, struggling even with basic activities such as standing up or using the toilet.
Doctors and aid workers say such trauma is widespread among Gaza’s children, many of whom have witnessed death, displacement and destruction at close quarters.
Thousands of children affected
According to UNICEF, Gaza has become one of the most dangerous places in the world for children. More than 20,000 children have been killed since the war began, with tens of thousands injured. Many now live with permanent disabilities, while nearly 39,000 children have lost one or both parents.
UNICEF officials warn that severe shortages of food, medicine and shelter continue despite a ceasefire, leaving injured children especially vulnerable during harsh winter conditions.
Hope for recovery
Omar dreams of receiving a prosthetic leg so he can return to playing football and swimming in the sea. “That’s the first thing I want to do,” he says.
Aid agencies say urgent medical evacuations and psychosocial support are needed to prevent a lost generation.