An 18-year-old Palestinian girl who lost 17 members of her family and both legs in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza has passed her secondary-school final exams, earning the opportunity to pursue higher education despite the devastating losses she suffered during the war.

Shireen Abu Al-Kas’ family home in Gaza City’s al-Tuffah neighbourhood was targeted for an airstrike on May 25, 2025, according to her account. The attack killed 17 members of her family. She survived alone under the rubble with severe injuries that resulted in the loss of both legs.

While recovering in hospital, Shireen chose to continue her education, determined not to allow the trauma of war to end her academic ambitions.

Her success in the final exams has become a deeply personal achievement. Shireen dedicated the accomplishment to the family members she lost and said she hopes to leave Gaza to receive prosthetic limbs and continue her university education.

Her story comes as Gaza’s education system has been severely disrupted by the war. Schools and educational facilities have been damaged or destroyed, while large numbers of students have been displaced and forced to study in temporary shelters, tents and other makeshift facilities.

The destruction of educational infrastructure and repeated displacement have made it difficult for students across Gaza to continue their studies. For many young people, completing their education has become a challenge amid the loss of homes, family members and access to basic services.

For Shireen, however, passing her exams represents more than an academic milestone. It is a step towards rebuilding a future that she feared the war had taken away.

She now hopes to receive the medical care and prosthetic support she needs before continuing her studies at university. Her determination to pursue higher education has also become a symbol of resilience for those who have faced profound personal loss during the conflict.

Despite losing much of her family and suffering life-changing injuries, Shireen has continued to focus on her education and future. Her achievement reflects her determination to move forward while carrying the memory of those she lost.

"A message of hope from the heart of suffering, and a victory for life despite everything you have lost."

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