The dancing Gazan schoolboy who refuses to give up hope as war rages on

Yazan Al Sawda, 12, is defiant in the face of adversity as he receives care on the UAE's floating hospital in Egypt after losing his leg in an Israeli air strike

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A courageous Palestinian schoolboy, who was forced to have his leg amputated without anaesthetic after being injured in an Israeli air strike, is still smiling, despite being separated from his family aboard the UAE's floating hospital in Egypt.

Last January, Yazan Al Sawda, now 12, had ventured outside to collect wood to build a fire when he was struck. His left leg was torn off below the knee.

“I found myself on the ground, bleeding,” Yazan told The National. "My uncle saw me and carried me to hospital. I was still awake."

He was quickly taken to an operating theatre and underwent surgery without anaesthesia, a dire situation that has become increasingly common as Gaza's health sector buckles under the strain of persistent Israeli bombardment.

“I was awake but then fainted. I woke up with no leg,” he recalled.

It was the start of a horrifying ordeal for Yazan, who is on a year-long road to recovery aboard the floating hospital. His family remain in Gaza.

Yazan was transported out of Gaza in March to receive critical care on the repurposed ship docked in Al Arish.

Dr Ali Al Danhani, Deputy Director of the UAE floating hospital in Al Arish, Egypt. Pawan Singh / The National

Emirati medics on the floating hospital welcomed their new patient and made preparations for an artificial leg.

Dr Ali Rashed Al Dhanhani, 40, deputy medical director of the hospital, said an X-ray scan showed further surgery was required before the prosthetic could be fitted.

“He underwent a trimming operation under general anaesthesia. With post-operative care and dressing used until complete healing, Yazan is now using the prosthetic limb very well,” the Emirati surgeon said.

A beacon of hope

Hospital staff organise entertainment in an effort to raise the spirits of patients who have endured so much. There Yazan has served as a shining example, regularly smiling and dancing.

Yazan Al Sawda, centre, dances during an afternoon of entertainment for patients, their family members and medical staff aboard the UAE floating hospital in Al Arish, Egypt. Pawan Singh / The National

“I’m happy here but I didn’t see my family. I speak with them over the phone. I left the border alone,” Yazan said. “Emiratis doctors are taking care of me and others.

Doctors said Yazan had become withdrawn and was reluctant to socialise with others when he first arrived, but has since made significant progress as he sets his sights on walking again.

“He is adopting to his situation, but his destiny is unclear. He is going through physiotherapy to learn how to walk with his new artificial limb,” Dr Al Dhanhani added.

“We don’t want him to leave the hospital. As long as the UAE floating hospital is here, he will stay with us.”

Crucial support for thousands

The hospital's medical team said more than 6,400 Palestinians have received care on board the 100-bed vessel, docked off the coast of the city of Al Arish, since it opened in February, 2024.

More than 2,200 surgeries have been conducted so far, while prosthetic limbs have been provided for 23 people, with more than 700 patients receiving physiotherapy.

The ship features operating rooms for a wide variety of surgeries, including intensive care and anaesthesia units, fully-equipped outpatient clinics, X-ray facilities, as well as a pharmacy and laboratory.

Dr Al Dhanhani, who has served on the ship for four months, said complex surgeries such as total knee joint replacement, as well as total hip joint replacement, have also been carried out.

“The UAE is always working to aid and help people. Many Gazans thank us with a smile, despite their suffering. We will always be with them and ease their suffering,” he said.

Mohammed Al Shehi, commander of the UAE floating hospital, centre. Pawan Singh / The National

Mohammed Al Shehi, commander of the hospital, said entertainment events allowed patients to have a precious escape from the challenges of their lives.

“We hold entertainment events for the patients. They go outside the hospital from time to time to have fun in a nearby park. The hospital aims to treat them and improve their psychological and social well-being to ease their suffering,” he told The National.

“We use arts and entertainment while creating a safe space for the children to express themselves with painting.”

Lives upended by conflict

Ayman Ibrahim, 28, cherished his life with his wife and son, who was one when war with Israel broke out in October, 2023.

He survived an air-strike but suffered a broken left thigh after being hit by shrapnel on October 27, weeks into the fierce fighting.

The Gazan lawyer had surgery to have a metal plate fitted, but the hospital was evacuated after being surrounded by Israeli forces.

Ayman Ibrahim is desperate to be reunited with his family. Pawan Singh / The National

He left Gaza on December 3, 2023, and after multiple surgeries at an Egyptian medical facility, he was taken to the floating hospital in July.

“I had five surgeries, but I had a bone infection. Emirati doctors saved my life and cleaned the bone. Due to the broken bone, my left leg is shorter by 3cm."

Mr Ibrahim is eager to be reunited with his family after so many months apart.

“We got separated for over a year. My son now is two years and I only check and see them through pictures and phone calls,” Mr Ibrahim said.

“They couldn’t cross the border and join me to safety.”

Grateful for support

Wafaa Mohammad, 57, crossed Rafah border to Egypt with her son as an escort and is thankful for the help she has received.

“Emirati doctors offered to replace my two knees joints. No words can thank them,” she said.

The mother of seven arrived with her son, Nabeel, who required treatment for severe injuries in his left arm.

Wafa Mohammed is receiving treatment at the floating hospital. Pawan Singh / The National

“We left Gaza in December 2023 and went to different hospitals in Egypt until we settled in the floating hospital. I wasn’t thinking of replacing my knee joints, but the medical staff were amazing,” she added.

With tears, Wafaa remembered her eldest son, Mohammed, 35, who died because of the conflict, leaving behind a wife and two young daughters.

“He was killed in the bombardment. I want to return back to Gaza. I miss my family and everyday I cry,” she said.

“We will be back and won’t leave Gaza. It is our home.”