Gazan girl Rahaf Ayyad, before and after - in pictures


  • Rahaf Ayyad, 12, with a picture of how she used to look, at a school-turned-shelter in Al Rimal, Gaza city on May 4. AFP
    Rahaf Ayyad, 12, with a picture of how she used to look, at a school-turned-shelter in Al Rimal, Gaza city on May 4. AFP
  • After months of suffering, she lost most of her hair, was unable to walk and suffered from regular seizures. AFP
    After months of suffering, she lost most of her hair, was unable to walk and suffered from regular seizures. AFP
  • She arrived in the UAE in May on an evacuation flight and was immediately admitted to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, where doctors feared for her life. Ahmed Ramzan for The National
    She arrived in the UAE in May on an evacuation flight and was immediately admitted to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, where doctors feared for her life. Ahmed Ramzan for The National
  • Rahaf with her mother, Shroog Ayyad, 35, in Abu Dhabi on May 30. Ahmed Ramzan for The National
    Rahaf with her mother, Shroog Ayyad, 35, in Abu Dhabi on May 30. Ahmed Ramzan for The National
  • When she arrived, her face was hollowed out by malnutrition and her teeth were yellow. Ahmed Ramzan for The National
    When she arrived, her face was hollowed out by malnutrition and her teeth were yellow. Ahmed Ramzan for The National
  • If Rahaf had not received treatment immediately, she would have died, doctors said. Ahmed Ramzan for The National
    If Rahaf had not received treatment immediately, she would have died, doctors said. Ahmed Ramzan for The National
  • Now aged 13, Rahaf's cheeks have filled out, her hair has grown back and her smile has returned. Victor Besa / The National
    Now aged 13, Rahaf's cheeks have filled out, her hair has grown back and her smile has returned. Victor Besa / The National
  • Rahaf, in red, with her family at Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi. From left, Rama, 15, Imran, two, Yara, 12, Mustaffa, six and Ahmad, nine. Victor Besa / The National
    Rahaf, in red, with her family at Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi. From left, Rama, 15, Imran, two, Yara, 12, Mustaffa, six and Ahmad, nine. Victor Besa / The National
  • 'I can run and play again. I’m happy, and soon I’ll see my grandparents,' Rahaf said. Victor Besa / The National
    'I can run and play again. I’m happy, and soon I’ll see my grandparents,' Rahaf said. Victor Besa / The National