A convoy evacuated 25 wounded children from Gaza to Jordan for medical treatment. The operation was a collaborative effort by the Jordanian army, Jordan’s health ministry, and the WHO. Conditions in Gaza remain dire following extensive conflict, with many families desperate for medical care amidst rising tension and uncertainty.
A convoy consisting of ambulances and buses transported 25 injured and ill Palestinian children from Gaza to Jordan amidst ongoing conflict. The young patients were among approximately 4,500 individuals in Gaza identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as needing urgent medical evacuation. This operation was facilitated by the Jordanian army, the health ministry of Jordan, and the WHO.
The journey commenced at the Kerem Shalom crossing, which had previously served as a vital entry point for humanitarian aid but now stands nearly deserted following the cessation of aid by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The once bustling area was notably empty, marked only by a handful of soldiers and Jordanian personnel.
During the operation, four critically ill children were transported via Jordanian air force helicopters to Amman for immediate medical attention. The remaining 25 children, along with their families, were transferred in ambulances. Their route traversed areas affected by the recent violence that had erupted in October 2023, when Hamas’s unexpected assault resulted in many casualties.
As they passed checkpoints manned by Israeli troops, the convoy reached Jerusalem and continued toward Jordan. Upon their arrival in Jordan, the sun had set, and the children and their families were fatigued after a lengthy day compounded by fasting for Ramadan.
Ahlam Darwish had accompanied her 16-month-old son, Malik, who sustained an eye injury due to Israeli bombardment. The family, previously displaced and living in a tent, faced dire medical conditions in Gaza, where healthcare facilities have been severely compromised. Ahlam’s comments highlighted the impossible situation: “Nothing was possible in Gaza.”
Seven-year-old Nada, who has a congenital heart defect, anxiously awaited treatment after long hours spent traveling. Her mother expressed concerns about uncertainty in Gaza, stating, “Everybody in Gaza just needs to know what their future will be.”
Tariq al-Hamdan, an emergency room medic from King Hussein Hospital, noted the successful mission after significant delays and strict border checks. He expressed a wish to assist more children, stating, “We just wish we could have taken more children.”
The Jordanian government aims to evacuate 2,000 critically ill child patients, making this recent operation a small but essential advancement. Future evacuations remain contingent on the treatment of this cohort, raising uncertainties amid the geopolitical situation that may hinder further efforts.
The recent evacuation of 25 wounded Palestinian children from Gaza to Jordan signifies a critical humanitarian effort amid ongoing conflict and shortages in healthcare. Jointly facilitated by various organizations, this operation reflects the urgent need for medical assistance in Gaza, where conditions have deteriorated severely. The commitment to assist more children is evident, even as uncertainties loom over future evacuations due to the volatile situation.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
