A convoy of ambulances transported 25 wounded Palestinian children from Gaza to Jordan for urgent medical treatment amid a humanitarian crisis. The operation is part of a larger initiative by the Jordanian government, aiming to evacuate critically ill child patients from Gaza. Despite the successful transfer, thousands remain in dire need of care while the uncertainty of future evacuations looms due to ongoing conflict.
On Tuesday, a convoy of ambulances and buses transported 25 wounded Palestinian children from Gaza to Jordan for medical treatment. This operation followed 15 months of bombardment in the region, with these children representing just a fraction of the approximately 4,500 individuals in urgent need of evacuation, as noted by the World Health Organization (WHO). The journey commenced from the Kerem Shalom crossing, a key route for humanitarian aid during the prolonged conflict.
Currently, Kerem Shalom is largely abandoned due to a blockade imposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which halted aid deliveries. Jordanian air force helicopters were utilized to transfer four critically ill children directly to Amman for urgent care, while the remaining group traveled in ambulances accompanied by their guardians. They navigated through areas heavily affected by conflict, including the southern region where the recent hostilities originated.
Upon arrival in Jordan, the convoy found itself in a state of exhaustion after a long day, exacerbated by the Ramadan fasting period. Ahlam Darwish, whose son Malik sustained an eye injury from Israeli shelling, articulated the dire medical situation in Gaza, emphasizing the need for surgery that was no longer available in their home territory. The humanitarian crisis intensified following Netanyahu’s blockade, which promptly escalated prices for essential goods.
Seven-year-old Nada, suffering from a congenital heart defect, exemplified the distress faced by many families. Her mother expressed uncertainty about their future and the need for reassurance about their ability to rebuild their lives. Medical professionals voiced hope that Nada would receive necessary treatment in Jordan that was unattainable in Gaza, and the team highlighted the mission’s significance despite delays caused by bureaucratic challenges.
The Jordanian government aims to evacuate up to 2,000 critically ill children from Gaza. However, subsequent evacuations hinge on the successful treatment and return of those currently in Jordan. The continuous threat of renewed conflict creates uncertainty about future operations, underscoring the fragile situation.
The evacuation of 25 Palestinian children from Gaza to Jordan represents a small yet significant effort amidst an ongoing humanitarian crisis. With thousands still in need of urgent medical assistance, the situation remains precarious. Medical professionals express a desire for broader evacuations to alleviate the suffering of children affected by the conflict. The future of such operations is uncertain, particularly given the potential for renewed hostilities in the region.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
