Four-year-old Malaika from southern Lebanon's Mayfadoun was severely wounded and her mother killed when Israeli regime bombs hit near their car on March 2. The mother shielded Malaika with her body in her final act.

Malaika suffered burns and shrapnel damage to her left eye, requiring surgery. Her younger sister Sara was also wounded. The attack came as the Israeli regime intensified its war on Lebanon after Hezbollah responded to the killing of Iran's supreme leader.

Since March 2, at least 3,613 people have been killed in Lebanon, including 245 children, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Over 900 children have been wounded. A US-brokered ceasefire has failed to stop attacks.

More than 1.2 million people, including 400,000 children, have been displaced. Children face repeated displacement, disrupted education, and psychological distress. Experts warn of long-term trauma and even suicidal ideation among children.

Malaika now stays at the Ghassan Abu Sittah Children's Fund in Beirut. She misses her home and asks about her mother frequently. Social worker Sara Issa provides support. The family's home was destroyed days after the attack.

Source: www.aljazeera.com