In brief
As Israeli bombardments continue in southern Lebanon, two-year-old Ivana suffers severe third-degree burns from a missile strike, her family forced to flee their home. Her father recounts the chaos of the moment, while medical professionals express their heartbreak over the civilian toll of the conflict.
Ivana’s family was preparing to evacuate their home in southern Lebanon when disaster struck. An Israeli missile detonated near their house, resulting in the toddler suffering third-degree burns covering almost half her body. Currently receiving treatment at Geitaoui Hospital in Beirut, the two-year-old lies in pain, her head and arms wrapped in bandages while her father, Mohammed Skayki, tries to soothe her.Describing the moment of the strike on September 23, the day Israel intensified its bombardment of southern Lebanon, Mohammed recounted how they were on the brink of leaving when the missile exploded just meters away from their front door. "We were ready to move…The house shook. My daughters were playing on the balcony. I saw the little one – she was all black because of the missile dust," he stated, visibly pained as he remembered the traumatic event.Ivana was rushed to the hospital alongside her older sister, who thankfully sustained less severe injuries and has since been discharged to stay with relatives. Mohammed shared a photograph of Ivana before the incident, showcasing her vibrant spirit and innocence, now overshadowed by her severe injuries. Dr. Ziad Sleiman, one of the plastic surgeons in charge of Ivana’s care, noted her bravery and calm demeanor during treatment.The medical staff at the burns unit are facing overwhelming challenges, with many patients requiring urgent treatment for similar traumatic injuries. Dr. Sleiman remarked on the state of Lebanon’s healthcare system, which is under siege, with documented attacks targeting medical facilities and personnel. The Lebanese health ministry reported significant casualties among civilian healthcare workers amid increasing Israeli airstrikes.The Israeli Defense Forces defended their actions as targeting Hezbollah, a group they classify as a terrorist organization. They reject claims of intentionally targeting civilians or medical infrastructure. As the war continues, the psychological toll on medical workers is profound. "It’s very hard to deal with patients having traumas and burns due to war," Dr. Sleiman reflected, stressing that the victims are primarily civilians, not combatants. In a poignant moment, Mohammed shared his sorrow and disbelief regarding the violence inflicted on innocent children. He expressed his feelings of helplessness in the face of such devastation, clarifying, “I don’t want to be a murderer like them.” Despite their ongoing struggle and displacement, Ivana’s family remains hopeful for her recovery, even as the threat of further violence looms in Lebanon. Dr. Sleiman fears many more civilians, like Ivana, will suffer if the conflict does not come to an end soon, emphasizing that “every war ends with so many losers.”
