Twenty-five wounded Palestinian children were evacuated from Gaza to Jordan for medical treatment amid ongoing conflict and a shortage of medical resources in Gaza. The evacuation was facilitated by the Jordanian army and WHO, who aim to assist a larger number of critically ill children. The troubling conditions highlight the urgent need for ongoing humanitarian aid and intervention.
On Tuesday, a convoy comprising 25 wounded Palestinian children was evacuated from Gaza to Jordan for medical treatment. This transfer, facilitated by the Jordanian army, the health ministry, and the World Health Organization (WHO), comes at a critical time as the WHO estimates approximately 4,500 individuals in Gaza urgently require evacuation. The convoy began at the Kerem Shalom crossing, a principal humanitarian aid portal during the ongoing conflict.
Following the evacuation, the convoy included four Jordanian air force helicopters that transported four children in particularly severe condition to Amman for immediate healthcare. The journey proceeded from southern Gaza, taking a route past military installations and preparation units amid heightened tensions due to renewed threats of conflict.
Upon arrival in Jordan, the children and their guardians were weary from their long day of travel, compounded by the Ramadan fasting period. Among the evacuees was 16-month-old Malik, who sustained an eye injury during bombardment while his family was displaced. His mother expressed the desperate need for surgical intervention not available in Gaza, where healthcare facilities have been devastated.
Additionally, seven-year-old Nada, who was born with a heart defect, faced an uncertain medical future. Her mother conveyed the hopes of residents in Gaza, longing for clarity about rebuild possibilities. Tariq al-Hamdan, an emergency medical professional in Amman, shared his satisfaction at the success of the mission, while also expressing regret at not being able to assist more children.
The Jordanian government’s objective is to evacuate 2,000 critically ill children from Gaza. The recent operation represents a small stride towards this goal, as future evacuations depend on the treatment and return of the current group. The continuing conflict complicates these humanitarian efforts, raising fears over subsequent operations amidst a precarious ceasefire situation.
The evacuation of 25 children from Gaza to Jordan highlights the dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by continued conflict. While this operation marks a significant albeit limited relief effort, the urgent need for medical assistance remains critical. Ongoing instability raises concerns over future evacuations and the health prospects of many others trapped in Gaza.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
