Kamar sits on the hospital stretcher like a typical 15 year old boy, relaxed and confident. His father, Mohammed sits on a plastic chair next to the bed, they are wearing almost matching t-shirts. A set of colourful toy eggs and a tennis ball are on the bed in front of them. In many parts of the world parents bond with their children over activities, such as sports or cooking, hobbies and games. In Gaza today, Mohammed and Kamar are bonding over rehabilitation.
As Mohammed concentrates to move his right arm and hand to grip the toys, Kamar offers quiet, respectful words of encouragement. The task continues for a few minutes, moving the tennis ball and eggs from one colourful hoop to another, before Mohammed is tired and needs a short rest. He smiles widely at his son upon completing the task. Kamar wipes sweat from his father’s face and neck and returns his smile.
Mohammed was sitting outside his tent with his family in Rafah when he was hit in the head by a bullet. Kamar was there and recalls the family’s reaction.
“When we realised what had happened we all started screaming.”
By chance an ambulance passed soon after the incident, and they managed to flag it down and get Mohammed inside and off to hospital. From there, his long journey of recovery was to begin.
After multiple surgeries and treatment at various medical facilities, Mohammed was recommended to visit UK-Med’s type II field hospital as an outpatient for physiotherapy.
“Somebody told me that the physiotherapy department was very good at the ‘British Hospital’ (as UK-Med’s type II facility in Al Mawasi is known locally) so I came to see. So far it has been excellent.”
Since attending the physiotherapy sessions Mohammed has improved his balance and motor skills. He has started to walk again and is starting to be able to do things around the house he couldn’t before. Kamar says the family are all very pleased with the progress and hopes it continues. It is tough, but both father and son are determined to see it through.
For the last exercise of this session Kamar gently helps his father wrap his fingers around a flexible tube. The young man’s delicate touch and patience are clear to see, and are reflected in his fathers dedication to his exercises. Fanning his face to keep him cool in the intense summer heat, Kumar has nothing but admiration and support for his father. This is a bond that won’t be broken, despite the challenging circumstances under which it is being formed.
