Surrounded by rubble, yet happy to finally be cradled in his mother’s arms again — Mohammad is back home in Gaza with his family. After receiving his initial prosthetic treatment in the Jordanian capital Amman, he returned to his homeland together with his father. From there, he regularly shares videos with our colleague, Area Manager Waleed Lahham, keeping him updated on his son’s progress.

What has happened so far?

At the end of 2025, the Ottobock Global Foundation (OBGF) entered into a partnership with SOS Children’s Villages and the orthopaedic workshop MaFaz in Amman to enable children from Gaza who have lost limbs to receive initial medical‑technical care in Jordan. As part of a joint emergency relief project, the OBGF uses donated funds to cover both the prosthetic components and the costs of treatment provided by the orthopaedic specialists at MaFaz. SOS Children’s Villages, in turn, ensures psychosocial support and accommodation for the children as part of the partnership.

Mohammad, now eight years old, is among the first children to benefit from this emergency aid. He was so severely injured in a rocket attack that his leg had to be amputated immediately in Gaza. After arriving in Amman with his father in July 2025, he first received medical treatment at the Specialty Hospital, followed by prosthetic treatment at MaFaz. Thanks to his new prosthesis, he has regained confidence — and could hardly wait to play football with his friends back in Gaza.

Between fear and hope

When Mohammad returned home with his father at the beginning of the year, his greatest wish finally came true. Thanks to his prosthesis, he is now back in school and spends his free time playing with other children. Yet his emotions remain complex. Footage from Gaza shows Mohammad walking seemingly carefree with his father and brother along the beach in Khan Younis, south of Gaza City.

Other footage, however, shows a serious and traumatized boy — as he appeared right after his return, when he and his family were initially living in a tent. In the meantime, Mohammad and his family have moved into an apartment in Khan Younis. “It may be bombed out, but at least we have a roof over our heads,” his father says gratefully.

Follow‑up treatment for Mohammad

While hopes for an imminent peace are repeatedly overshadowed by ongoing fighting, Mohammad continues to grow up in this challenging reality. But his prosthesis does not grow with him. To take part in everyday life and keep up with friends his age, he needs follow‑up treatment.

The Ottobock Global Foundation has already financed the prosthetic components for Mohammad through donations and sent them to MaFaz in Jordan. “Together with aid organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Restoring Hope Society, we are looking for ways to provide medical‑technical treatment to children like Mohammad directly inside the Gaza Strip,” explains Waleed Lahham.

The border crossings remain closed, and the medical‑technical infrastructure in Gaza has collapsed. According to Waleed Lahham, the chances of bringing Mohammad back to Jordan for another round of treatment are also very low, as other severely ill individuals are currently given priority to leave the territory.

Initial treatments in Jordan continue…

Just as Mohammad was able to reach Jordan last year with the help of many supporting hands, 16 more children from Gaza have also found their way there this year — made possible through close cooperation with international aid organizations. At MaFaz, they receive initial prosthetic treatment and find temporary shelter at SOS Children’s Village.

This emergency relief project stems from the fundraising campaign “Help for the Children of Gaza,” through which the OBGF — working closely with a global network — has already provided care to around 50 children from Gaza in Egypt, Türkiye, and Jordan since 2023.

If you would like to support the relief campaign “People in Need – Help for the Children of Gaza”, please send your donation to the following special account:

Ottobock Global Foundation

Deutsche Bank

IBAN: DE55 1007 0000 0937 0370 00

BIC: DEUTDEBBXXX

Keyword: "People in Need – Help for the Children of Gaza"

On our Subpage, we regularly provide information on the current development of the Ottobock Global Foundation's relief campaign for People in need – Help for the children of Gaza. You can also follow our social media activities on Facebook and LinkedIn. Or visit us on the Ottobock Global Foundation website. We are looking forward to a Like!