Dreams shattered: Gaza amputees struggle under blockade and rubble

Gaza City, Gaza Strip – Before Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, 24-year-old Shurouq Khaira was an athlete, training regularly for her track races.Athletics wasn’t just a hobby for her; it was a core part of her identity. She competed in youth championships, taking a national title in 2016. Her dream was to represent her country, Palestine, on the international stage.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Brazilian activist demands Tunisia release Sumud Flotilla organiserslist 2 of 3Israeli PM Netanyahu in Gaza, ‘we are not withdrawing’list 3 of 3China’s Xi visits Egypt’s el-Sisi: Why it mattersend of list“I wanted the whole world to know that people in Gaza live, dream, strive, and achieve,” she said. “I dreamed of competing in the Olympics.”The future Shurouq envisioned was shattered on November 19, 2023 – just over a month into a war that is now approaching its three-year anniversary, with Israel killing more than 73,400 Palestinians.Gaza City was the target of fierce Israeli attacks in those opening weeks of the war, and Shurouq woke up to the sound of shelling targeting her family’s home in the city’s Daraj neighbourhood. One shell hit the house.Shurouq survived, but her ...