UK Surgeon Operates on Gaza Teen Ahmad Alnahal in Jordan

Ahmad Alnahal, 15, from Gaza, had facial reconstruction surgery at Al-Kindi Hospital in Jordan on October 26, 2026. Dr. Muzzammil Nusrath, a UK-based Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon, traveled to Jordan on a dedicated FAJR Global medical mission to perform the operation. He worked alongside Jordanian surgeon Dr. Majed Khraisat, Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon specializing in facial aesthetics and dental implants.

The day before, on October 25, Dr. Nusrath visited Ahmad at his FAJR-provided accommodation to assess his condition and prepare for surgery.

Injured while seeking aid

On August 31, 2025, Ahmad was injured in an incident at an aid distribution location in Gaza, where his father was killed. Ahmad survived with extensive facial injuries, including multiple fractures and severe damage to his jaws, nose and the tissues separating his mouth and nasal cavity.

Eating, swallowing, speaking and breathing became difficult. His education was interrupted by a long period of treatment and recovery.

Ahmad was medically evacuated to Jordan on October 26, 2025, exactly one year before this operation. His mother and siblings went with him.

What the earlier surgeries achieved

Earlier procedures rebuilt Ahmad’s lower jaw using bone and tissue from his leg. A tissue flap from his forearm closed a large opening between his mouth and nasal cavity.

After these operations his speech and swallowing improved. His breathing tube was removed, and then his feeding tube once he could get enough nutrition by mouth. Significant midface collapse, loss of facial projection and a nasal defect remained, and these needed further specialist reconstruction.

What the surgeons did in October

The October mission addressed those remaining needs. During the operation, Dr. Nusrath and Dr. Khraisat:

• repositioned bones around the nasal region
• used a bone graft from the outer layer of the skull to rebuild support and projection for the nasal bridge
• reshaped and repositioned the left nostril rim and released scars and adhesions
• formed the tissue separating the nostrils using part of Ahmad’s previously transferred forearm flap
• worked to improve the position of the inner corner of his left eye, although extensive scarring remains

The procedure aims to restore the structure of Ahmad’s nose and improve its contour and balance with the rest of his face. Reshaping the nasal tissues and releasing adhesions may also support nasal function, with any improvement in breathing to be assessed as healing progresses.

Improved facial structure and appearance may help Ahmad feel more comfortable with other people and support his return to school and everyday activities.

What comes next for Ahmad

His emotional needs remain an essential part of his care as he grows up, grieves his father and recovers from a life-changing injury.

Postoperative follow-up will monitor his healing and assess the functional and cosmetic results of the reconstruction. His care plan includes nasal splinting to support the reconstructed structures during recovery.

The team will also consider further treatment, including possible dental rehabilitation with specialized implants, based on Ahmad’s progress and the medical team’s assessment.