Palestinian blacksmith loses leg in Israeli attack on UNRWA school, continues working

53-year-old Palestinian blacksmith Nahid Subhi al-Masari, who lost his left leg in an Israeli attack targeting a UNRWA school sheltering displaced Palestinians in the Nuseirat Refugee Camp, continues working at his workshop after receiving limited treatment at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, Palestine on May 16, 2026.

Attack on UNRWA school

The Israeli attack targeted a UNRWA school that was sheltering displaced Palestinians, adding to the extensive civilian infrastructure damage in Gaza. UNRWA schools have repeatedly been hit during the conflict, despite their protected status under international law.

Limited medical care

Al-Masari received only limited treatment at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, reflecting the severe strain on Gaza's healthcare system. Palestinian authorities report that around 22,000 wounded and sick people need to leave Gaza for treatment amid severe shortages of medicines and medical equipment.

Resilience amid devastation

Despite losing his leg, al-Masari continues his work as a blacksmith, embodying the resilience of Gazans who struggle to maintain their livelihoods amid ongoing Israeli attacks. The Gaza war has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians and destroyed about 90% of civilian infrastructure.