In the wake of an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon that claimed the lives of an entire family, a remarkable discovery offered a glimmer of hope amid devastation. Two-year-old Ali Khalifeh was found alive, trapped under the rubble for 14 agonizing hours.
A Child’s Fight for Survival
The attack on September 29 flattened an apartment complex in Sarafand, about 15 kilometers south of Sidon, killing 15 people, including Ali’s parents, sister, and two grandmothers. Ali, sleeping on the couch at the time, was the only survivor.
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“Rescue workers had almost lost hope,” said his great-uncle, Hussein Khalifeh. “But then Ali appeared among debris in the shovel of a bulldozer, barely breathing, after 14 hours.”
Now in a hospital bed far too big for him, Ali is in a medically induced coma following the amputation of his right hand. Doctors are preparing him for pre-prosthetic surgery at a medical facility in Beirut.
Unimaginable Loss
Ali’s survival is overshadowed by the loss of his family and the harrowing experiences of others in Sarafand. Among the survivors is Zainab, a 32-year-old family member who was trapped under the rubble for two hours.
Zainab, who lost her parents, husband, and three children aged three to seven, was severely injured, losing sight in one eye and suffering fractures throughout her body. “She didn’t hear the sounds of the missiles. She only saw darkness and heard deafening screams,” Hussein recounted.
Fatima, Zainab’s sister, was also injured in the strike, sustaining fractures and lung damage. Both women face profound psychological trauma. Dr. Ali Alaa El Din, who is treating them, said, “Medically, their cases are not the most difficult, but the psychological scars are far greater.”
Escalating Conflict
The attack on Sarafand is part of Israel’s intensified air campaign targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, following nearly a year of low-intensity cross-border fire. Since September 23, Israeli airstrikes have killed over 3,000 people across Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
A particularly deadly day on September 23 saw nearly 500 killed and 1,500 injured in a single wave of strikes, marking one of Lebanon’s bloodiest days in years.
Widespread Humanitarian Crisis
The violence has displaced thousands and crippled essential services. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and there is a critical shortage of medical supplies. Humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent assistance as the conflict disrupts daily life and exacerbates suffering.
The United Nations has voiced alarm over the escalating violence, urging restraint and the protection of civilians. Yet, the attacks continue, leaving behind stories like Ali’s—a poignant reminder of the toll on innocent lives.
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Ali’s survival, though miraculous, underscores the immense human cost of the conflict. For the toddler, the journey toward recovery will be long and fraught with challenges. For his family, the memories of loved ones lost and lives forever changed will linger as a painful reminder of the war’s devastating impact.