Fourteen-year-old Shadi Sani's eyes protrude and he has lost the ability to speak. His father Abu Shali, seated at Shadi's bedside, speaks on his behalf via a Palestinian interpreter from Gaza.
'He understands some conversation,' Abu Shali offers. 'Feel here on his head,' he instructs, guiding my hand to a concave spot covered with rough, post-shave growth. 'He had brain surgery to relieve pressure. They removed part here.'
Shadi's breathing is laboured and his food intake comes via an intravenous drip. Sitting upright is a challenge and daily rehab is helping him relearn how to walk. As I sit talking with his father, he sporadically offers up broad smiles - the kind that prompt an urge to squeeze his hand or give him a hug.
Shadi is extremely lucky. He was able to get urgent treatment from military doctors at an Israeli army base in the occupied West Bank. He has been in Alyn Orthopaedic Rehab Facility for Children since January.
His mother Tamam, seated on his other side, says the family doesn't know when he'll be released home to Ramallah.
'He needs constant care. He can't do anything for himself. But, inshallah, he's alive!' Tamam exclaims.
