Goktay Koraltan/BBC
Ivana is currently receiving treatment for her burns at a hospital in Beirut
This story includes some distressing information
Ivana’s family was preparing to leave their home in southern Lebanon when an Israeli missile struck. The two-year-old now has third-degree burns on almost half of her body, with bandages covering her head and arms.
Ivana appears lost as she lies on a full-size bed in the burns unit at Geitaoui Hospital in Beirut. Despite her small size and doll-like appearance, her cries reflect the harsh reality of her situation. Her father, Mohammed Skayki, tries to comfort her as she winces in pain.
He describes the horrifying moment when his daughter’s skin and flesh were severely damaged.
On the day of the Israeli bombardment of southern Lebanon, Mohammed’s family was not given a specific evacuation order, but the explosions were drawing nearer.
“We were ready to leave, we had our belongings packed,” Mohammed recalls.
“The strike hit close to our house, just 10 meters from the front door. The house shook, and I saw my daughters playing on the balcony. I saw the little one covered in missile dust. I picked her up as something inside the house exploded and the ceiling collapsed.”
In a matter of seconds, the family was forced to abandon their home in Deir Qanoun En Nahr. “We left with only our phones and fifty dollars,” he says.
Rescuers rushed Ivana and her older sister, Rahaf, to the hospital. While Rahaf’s injuries were less severe, she has been discharged and is staying with relatives.
Mohammed shows a photo of Ivana before the attack – her wide brown eyes, a pink pacifier in her mouth, and curly brown hair framing her face. Now, her hair is hidden beneath the bandages, and her scars may be permanent.
Ivana’s father shares a picture of her before the incident with the BBC
Despite the severity of her injuries, Dr. Ziad Sleiman, one of the plastic surgeons on the unit, notes that Ivana is recovering well.
And Ivana’s presence has brought some solace to the medical staff.
“She’s kind and calm, even during dressing changes. She observes everything around her and seems to understand. She’s a very special and brave baby,” Dr. Sleiman says with a warm smile.
The staff in the burns unit are closely monitoring Ivana’s progress. The unit is set up in a circular layout, with nurses stationed in the center to have a direct view of each of the eight rooms. There is a waiting list of patients in need of admission.
“We receive calls daily to transfer patients, but we can’t accommodate everyone. We prioritize babies, women, and those with severe burns and trauma to provide them with the best possible care,” Dr. Sleiman explains.
Most patients arrive with third-degree burns, but for fourth-degree burns, Dr. Sleiman mentions that amputation is the only course of action.
Goktay Koraltan/BBC
Dr. Sleiman serves as a plastic surgeon in the burns unit
Lebanon’s healthcare system has also suffered due to the ongoing conflict with Israel. The World Health Organisation has documented 23 attacks on healthcare facilities in the past month, resulting in 72 deaths.
The Lebanese health ministry has reported “55 enemy attacks on hospitals and 201 on emergency medical technicians,” condemning Israeli assaults on healthcare personnel and infrastructure as violations of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Conventions.
Recent reports revealed an Israeli airstrike near Rafik Hariri, Beirut’s largest public hospital, resulting in the deaths of 18 individuals, including four children. No prior warning was issued.
The Israeli Defense Forces claim to target Hezbollah, a designated terrorist group, accusing them of exploiting ambulances and medical facilities. However, they deny targeting medical staff.
Despite the challenges, the burns unit’s staff continue to work daily, navigating through the city’s new normal of traffic congestion during the day and bombings at night.
“It’s incredibly difficult to witness the trauma and burns caused by war. Our patients are civilians, not soldiers. We must remain resilient as doctors, but we also have emotions and families,” Dr. Sleiman expresses.
Before departing, Ivana’s father shares his thoughts on those responsible for his daughter’s injuries.
“I’m not pleased. Innocent civilians, especially children like Ivana, should not be harmed in conflicts,” he reflects. “I don’t wish to seek revenge. I don’t want to become like them.”
Family handout
Image of Ivana before her burns
Ivana has undergone a skin graft using tissue from her lower limbs and is expected to be discharged in approximately 10 days. However, her family remains displaced, unable to return to their home in the heavily bombarded southern region.
Dr. Sleiman anticipates an influx of patients like Ivana in the future, with no clear end in sight to the ongoing conflict.
“War doesn’t lead to victory for anyone. It only results in countless losses,” he solemnly concludes.