Khan Younis, Gaza Strip – Families in Gaza bid a tearful farewell to 21 critically ill children as they prepared to leave for medical treatment abroad. This marked the first medical evacuation since the closure of the territory’s travel crossing in early May, following its capture by Israeli forces, according to Palestinian officials.
The children, accompanied by adult escorts, departed from Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, heading towards the Kerem Shalom cargo crossing with Israel. The exact location for their treatment was not disclosed, leaving family members like Kamela Abukweik in emotional distress. Abukweik’s son, suffering from tumors and constant fever, boarded the bus for treatment abroad, while neither she nor her husband were permitted to accompany him.
The nearly nine-month Israel-Hamas war has had a devastating impact on Gaza’s health sector, leading to the closure of most hospitals. Dr. Mohammed Zaqout, head of Gaza’s hospitals, highlighted the urgent need for over 25,000 patients, including approximately 980 children with cancer, to receive treatment abroad. Amid international criticism of Israel’s actions against Hamas, Palestinians in Gaza are facing severe hunger and a dire shortage of essential supplies, leading to total dependence on aid.
Meanwhile, escalating tensions involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels have resulted in a series of attacks on ships in the Red Sea, further complicating maritime security in the region. The United Nations Security Council has reiterated calls for the cessation of such attacks, underlining the need to address underlying conflicts contributing to regional instability.
As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, new evacuations were ordered from heavily bombed neighborhoods in Gaza City, with continued reports of casualties and injuries. The ongoing conflict, marked by deadly raids and violent protests, has taken a toll on both Israeli and Palestinian populations, with no immediate resolution in sight.
Amid these challenges, the international community continues to call for restraint and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. The plight of critically ill children seeking medical treatment abroad underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a lasting resolution to the conflict in Gaza.