The Jarbou family in Gaza is experiencing a humanitarian tragedy that defies description, as the couple Zainab and Nihad lost their electric wheelchairs due to the war, leaving them now as disabled individuals sharing a manual wheelchair. The repeated displacements and illnesses have added heavy burdens to their lives, making them completely dependent on their children.
From a room that once felt like a palace to a tent lacking the most basic necessities of life, the couple's existence has turned into a nightmare. Zainab, who was aware of Nihad's health condition from the beginning, became disabled after a disease led to the amputation of her legs, further increasing their suffering. Nevertheless, they lived a life filled with hope despite the challenges, as they had electric wheelchairs that assisted them in mobility.
Details of the Situation
Zainab says from her tent in Deir al-Balah: "War means death for us as people with special needs; we have been displaced nine times, and all of it is indescribable suffering." The family now relies on their children to provide food and drink, which adds to the burdens placed on them. Zainab expresses her sadness for her 12-year-old child, who bears the responsibility of transporting her to treatment and markets.
Zainab talks about her struggles in the tent, where the simplest needs are unavailable, especially the toilet, which is nothing more than a bucket. She also suffers from a serious neurological disease that causes her severe pain, making her life even more difficult.
Background & Context
Statistics indicate that around 42,000 people in Gaza suffer from severe injuries requiring long-term rehabilitation. Among these, there are approximately 6,000 cases of limb amputations, with children making up a significant portion of these injuries. These figures reflect the extent of the suffering experienced by the residents of Gaza under the current circumstances.
The ongoing war in Gaza has exacerbated the humanitarian situation, as many people live under the weight of poverty and basic needs. Zainab and Nihad represent a part of this suffering, having lost everything due to the ongoing conflict.
Impact & Consequences
The consequences of the conflict are evident in the couple's lives, as they have become reliant on their children for everything. Nihad, who suffers from stomach pains, describes their life as a "prison," where they lack any means for a dignified life. The couple hopes to receive the necessary treatment, especially Zainab, who needs care for her limbs.
The health and psychological conditions of the couple deteriorate day by day, increasing their anxiety about their children's future. Nihad describes displacement as the harshest challenge they face, as they lived in better conditions before the war.
Regional Significance
The suffering of Zainab and Nihad Jarbou is a stark example of the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, which require urgent intervention from the international community. The numbers indicate that many people in the region suffer from similar conditions, necessitating immediate humanitarian action.
The situation in Gaza requires special attention from Arab countries and the international community, as humanitarian aid and treatment are essential to alleviate the suffering. The hope for receiving treatment and improving living conditions is what many residents of Gaza strive for.