Never give up - one Gaza boy's story of trying to survive in Gaza
Mar 16, 2025
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Anas Baba, an NPR Gaza producer, interviews Nimer Sadi al-Nimer, a young boy who was critically injured in the ongoing conflict. They discuss Nimer's year-long journey of recovery after being shot while gathering food. Nimer shares his emotional and physical struggles, painting a vivid picture of life in war-torn Gaza. The conversation highlights the resilience and spirit of children affected by conflict, offering a personal glimpse into the broader humanitarian crisis faced by many in the region.
The staggering statistic that 80% of pediatric patients are children highlights the disproportionate toll of war on Gaza's youth.
Nimr's story exemplifies the profound emotional and physical scars left by violence, encapsulating a generation's lost dreams and hopelessness.
Deep dives
The Harsh Reality of Pediatric Care in Conflict
The tragic impact of war on children in Gaza is profoundly highlighted through the experiences of pediatrician Seema Jelani, who witnessed the overwhelming number of young patients suffering from severe injuries. In a war zone where one might assume the majority of victims are adult men, Jelani found that an alarming 80% of her patients were children, demonstrating the disproportionate toll the conflict takes on the young. The extreme cases she encountered, such as an 11-year-old girl severely burned in an explosion, reveal a heartbreaking reality where innocence is lost amidst violence. This stark situation underscores the urgent need for humanitarian attention and a reassessment of the consequences of war on the most vulnerable members of society.
Nimr's Journey of Survival
The harrowing story of Nimr Saadi al-Nimr illustrates the physical and emotional scars left by violence in Gaza. After surviving multiple gunshot wounds, Nimr experiences constant pain and has difficulty performing activities he once enjoyed, such as soccer, emphasizing the lasting effects of his injuries. Despite these setbacks, he managed to reunite with his family after enduring a perilous journey filled with displacement and violence, a feat made even more poignant given his frail condition. His previous survival in makeshift hospitals during ongoing Israeli military operations further highlights the extreme conditions that children face in this conflict, which few can comprehend.
Dreams in Ruins: The Impact of War on Children's Future
Nimr's reflections reveal a bleak outlook on the future of children in Gaza, as he expresses a profound sense of hopelessness in the face of ongoing conflict and societal disintegration. He notes that the war has obliterated the dreams of his generation, instilling a mentality of revenge rather than belief in peace, which suggests deep psychological trauma. This despair is compounded by the reality that many children have been out of school for extended periods, denying them the opportunity to learn and interact with peers. Nimr’s poignant desire to return to school serves as a stark reminder of the normalcy that war has stripped away from countless children, leaving them trapped in a cycle of suffering.
That's the United Nations estimate for the number of children who have been killed or injured since Israel began its war with Hamas some 18 months ago.
Last year, NPR profiled one injured Gazan boy, Nimer Sadi al-Nimer, who was shot five times by the Israeli military while he and his father were gathering food dropped by parachute outside Gaza City.
This week, NPR Gaza producer Anas Baba tracked Nimer down to hear what the past year has been like.
NPR correspondent Rob Schmitz speaks with Baba about what he learned after reconnecting with Nimer.
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