Helping Alaa Recover After Spinal Cord Injury in Gaza

HEAL Palestine visited Alaa, an 18-year-old from Gaza, as part of our One-Time Support Program, which provides urgent assistance to individuals and families facing critical medical and humanitarian needs.

Alaa suffers from paraplegia after sustaining a spinal cord injury during the war. His condition has left him with complex medical needs that require continued care, follow-up, and rehabilitation planning.

Recently, Alaa underwent bladder surgery. During the procedure, doctors discovered a severe infection and a blood clot, creating an urgent need for medication to support his recovery. In response, HEAL Palestine’s team provided the antibiotics he needed to begin treatment and help stabilize his condition.

For patients like Alaa, timely support can make a significant difference. A medical complication that goes untreated can quickly become life-threatening, especially in Gaza, where access to medication, specialized care, and rehabilitation services remains severely limited.

Once Alaa has recovered from the infection and surgery, he will be evaluated by a rehabilitation specialist to determine the next steps in his care. This assessment will help identify what kind of rehabilitation, mobility support, and follow-up services he may need moving forward.

Alaa’s case reflects the purpose of HEAL Palestine’s One-Time Support Program: to respond to urgent needs that may fall outside larger program structures, but still require immediate and meaningful action.

HEAL Palestine will continue standing with Alaa as he recovers and prepares for the next stage of care. Every step matters, from medication to rehabilitation, and from emergency support to long-term dignity.