Gaza Gymnast's Dream Shattered, Mother's Hope Remains

Gaza Gymnast Loses Legs in Attack, Mother Holds Onto Hope Gaza City, Palestine – Sixteen-year-old Ahmed Al-Ghalban was once a promising gymnast, performing across Gaza with his twin brother. Their dreams were shattered on March 22nd when an Israeli shell struck, taking Ahmed's legs and his brother's life. The attack left Ahmed with the loss of both legs and four fingers on his left hand. "Suddenly, while we were in the street, a direct shell hit us," Ahmed recounted, his voice heavy with grief. "My brother was martyred, along with my uncle and cousin. I was injured, as you can see." His mother, Amna Al-Ghalban, clings to hope. "God willing, Ahmed will get prosthetic limbs, will walk again, go to the bathroom himself, and play again like other children in Gaza and around the world." She dreams of the day he can return to the sport he loves. Ahmed's story is a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict. Gaza has the world's highest number of amputees per capita, and the shattered health system struggles to provide the necessary care. Yet, Amna's unwavering hope for her son's recovery offers a glimmer of resilience amidst the devastation.