A photo composite of Mazionah Damo before and after her surgery. Photos: Ahmed Damo
A photo composite of Mazionah Damo before and after her surgery. Photos: Ahmed Damo
A photo composite of Mazionah Damo before and after her surgery. Photos: Ahmed Damo
A photo composite of Mazionah Damo before and after her surgery. Photos: Ahmed Damo

'I want to become more beautiful,' says Gazan girl who lost her jaw in air strike


Nada AlTaher
  • English
  • Arabic

Twelve-year-old Mazionah liked to play with dolls and spend time with her younger brother, Mohannad.

Now, she cannot do either. Mohannad, 10, and sister Hala, 13, were killed by an Israeli strike on their home in Nuseirat refugee camp in June 8. Mazionah's jaw was shattered in the attack.

A video that shows severe injuries to her head was circulating on social media.

She hopes now to find a way out of Gaza and reconstructive surgery for her face.

“I want to travel abroad and become more beautiful than before,” she told The National from her hospital bed in Al Nasser Medical Complex.

Her father Ahmad Damo, 40, said his wife and all their children were at home when the Israeli bombing began.

“When I came back, I saw chaos in the area. I asked someone what happened to our neighbourhood. He told me to ask about my family, instead of asking about the neighbourhood,” Mr Damo told The National.

Top left is Mazionah, her father Ahmad and mother Areej, their daughter (bottom left) Hala who was killed, and on the bottom right is their sister Tala, 4, who was injured and on the top right is their brother Mohannad who was killed. Ahmad Damo
Top left is Mazionah, her father Ahmad and mother Areej, their daughter (bottom left) Hala who was killed, and on the bottom right is their sister Tala, 4, who was injured and on the top right is their brother Mohannad who was killed. Ahmad Damo

“I collapsed right then and there.”

There was rubble and dead bodies where his home once stood, he said.

“People had gathered to help rescue my family, and others. But even they were shot at, and another strike hit nearby, killing some of them.”

Mr Damo looked for his family in nearby hospitals and found them being treated as “unregistered or unknown patients”, he said.

His youngest daughter Tala, 4, suffered injuries to her eyes. His wife, Areej, too, had injuries to her face.

Mazionah's jaw was disfigured and needs complex maxillofacial surgery, which can only be done abroad.

“My two other children were found in pieces,” Mr Damo said.

His wife's mother and sister were killed in nearby strikes. Her sister's body has not been recovered.

Hala, 13, and Mohannad, 10. Both were killed in an Israeli air strike on their home on June 8. Photo: Ahmed Damo
Hala, 13, and Mohannad, 10. Both were killed in an Israeli air strike on their home on June 8. Photo: Ahmed Damo

A team of doctors from the non-profit organisation FAJR Scientific have been overseeing Mazionah's care. They are trying to raise money to take her out of Gaza for treatment.

On Saturday, Israeli authorities refused her family's application to allow her mother to travel as her guardian.

Since hearing that she could not travel abroad with her mother, her situation has deteriorated, Mr Damo said.

Now, Mr Damo, his wife and daughter Tala stay by Mazionah's side.

The family said they would try to find another way for their daughter to get treatment.

Mazionah recovering in hospital. Photo: Fajr Scientific
Mazionah recovering in hospital. Photo: Fajr Scientific

This is not the first time the family has suffered from Israeli attacks.

In 2014, an Israeli strike destroyed their home and injured Mr Damo and his heavily pregnant wife.

He suffered from a concussion and fractures to his back which forced him to quit his job at a clothing boutique as he was no longer able to stand for prolonged periods.

Since then, Mr Damo has had to find temporary jobs or rely on the kindness of others to get by.

“I won't lie. There were days when we couldn't find food to eat.”

“Even before October 7, we did not live like the rest of the world. We have been under siege for 17 years,” Mr Damo said.

5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

Updated: July 15, 2024, 3:43 PM