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Surviving tragedy in airstrike, Gazan girl rebuilds life with her feet

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In the war-ravaged Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of eastern Gaza City, a 10-year-old girl Sarah al-Barsh is quietly creating what many call a miracle of life. Once a cheerful child living an ordinary life with her family, al-Barsh's world was abruptly and irreversibly changed by a sudden airstrike that claimed the life of her father and took both of her arms. However, from the depths of despair, this brave young girl has risen with extraordinary resilience, showing the world the tenacity and hope that continue to blossom even amid the rubble. The trauma of sudden disability and the pain of losing her father cast a shadow over the child's recovery. At just 10 years old, she had to confront not only grief, but also the challenges of learning how to live all over again. Yet amid the hardship and displacement, Sarah's indomitable spirit began to shine through. Under the care of her remaining family and with the encouragement of those around her, she began to adapt. Slowly but steadily, she relearned basic tasks using her feet - eating, drinking, even writing and studying - demonstrating a willpower far beyond her years. Though her journey has just begun, al-Barsh has not allowed her dreams to fade. She now holds a new aspiration - to one day receive prosthetic arms and grow up to become a prosthetist, helping other children who share her fate reclaim hope and dignity. Shotlist: Gaza City, Gaza Strip - Recent: 1. Various of Sarah al-Barsh playing toys with her feet together with other children; 2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Sarah al-Barsh, airstrike survivor (ending with shot 3): "My father and I were walking down the road. As we walked past a house, it was bombed. I lost consciousness for about 15 minutes, then I woke up. My arms were gone. I began yelling, 'dad', but he didn't answer. A young man came and took me to the ambulance. The ambulance took me to Al-Maamadani Hospital. From Al-Maamadani, I was transferred to the Public Aid Hospital. They operated on my arms at the Public Aid Hospital. They also performed abdominal surgery there. My father died. After spending five days in the hospital, we returned to the shelter where we had been displaced."; 3. Various of al-Barsh's mother holding her in arms; 4. Various of al-Barsh's mother helping her washing face; 5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Sarah al-Barsh, airstrike survivor (staring with shot 4): "Before the injury, I lived a normal life like any child with arms. I often combed my hair before I lost both my arms. But now, I no longer have hands. I can't brush my hair on my own. I can't eat by myself. I can't drink by myself. I can't play with any toys."; 6. Various of al-Barsh holding comb with feet, combing hair for another girl; 7. Various of al-Barsh collecting backpack, studying with her feet; 8. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Sarah al-Barsh, airstrike survivor (staring with shot 7): "Before my arms were amputated, my dream was to become a doctor. But now, I no longer have hands. My dream was shattered. With time, when I get prosthetic hands, I will become a doctor."; Gaza City, Gaza Strip - July 5, 2025 9. Various of tents, rubble, displaced Palestinians. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]

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