31-07-2025
'They thought I was dead': Boy who lost his jaw in Gaza explosion brought to UK for surgery
Majid al-Shagnobi requires major facial reconstruction following the explosion, as ITV News Correspondent Geraint Vincent reports
A 15-year-old Palestinian boy who lost his jaw and all of his teeth in an explosion in Gaza is now being treated in the UK.
Majid al-Shagnobi suffered severe facial injuries in February 2024 when Israeli tank shells exploded near him and a group of friends. He was trying to get humanitarian aid.
Before Gaza's latest, most brutal war, Majd was simply the eldest of four brothers. Now, he's one of countless children caught in the crossfire of Israel and Hamas' conflict.
The doctors in Gaza managed to save his life - but only after they had decided there was nothing they could do.
Speaking through a translator, Majd told ITV News that when he first arrived at the hospital, his injuries were so severe that they thought he was dead.
'I remember them putting me in the mortuary," Majd said.
"I managed to move my arm, though, and they realised I was still alive.'
Even after that, his mother, Islem Felfel, recalls that doctors thought his case was hopeless. They told her Majd might only have days to live. One hospital refused to admit him.
But now, Majd has a chance to fully restore his face, thanks to Project Pure Heart, a charity run by a group of healthcare professionals dedicated to bringing critically ill children from Middle East conflict zones to the UK for treatment.
They are using charitable donations to pay privately for the reconstructive surgery Majd needs, and to house him, his mum Islem, one of his brothers and his little sister while they're here.
Islem speaks of the pride she has in the courage her son has shown. But the trauma for her family goes on.
Two of her sons, Mohammad and Yusuf, remain in Gaza with their dad. It's difficult for her to communicate with them; she doesn't know if they have had anything to eat today.
"My heart is split between here and there," she said.
Majd was flown into London on Wednesday night, but many other children in Gaza with critical conditions won't be so lucky.
Omar Din, a co-founder of Project Pure Hope, highlighted that the UK lags behind European countries like Italy in taking children directly from Gaza. Majd's family had to come through Egypt.
Mr Din emphasised that the project is apolitical but said that the government could do more "if they have the will and they have the momentum".
Majd's family have a yearlong visa, which is meant to cover the time it will take for him to undergo and recover from surgery. Then the charity plans to resettle them in Egypt or Jordan.
When ITV News asked Majd about what he hopes for now, he said simply to learn and to work.
He regards himself as the man of the house now. While their time in London offers a chance to play and live in peace, he is determined to provide for his family's new future.
