Palestine (Washington Insider Magazine) – For the first time since the Rafah border crossing was closed in early May, Israel and Egypt have allowed at least 19 critically ill children, most of whom are cancer patients, to leave Gaza for medical treatment. This major evacuation involved 68 individuals, including patients and their escorts.
International Coordination and Relief
The Israeli military said the operation had been carried out in coordination with the United States, Egypt and the international community. In total, 68 people — sick and injured patients and their escorts — were allowed to leave, the military said.Tania Hary, director of Gisha, an Israeli nonprofit advocating for the free movement of Palestinians, expressed relief that the children could receive necessary care. However, she stressed that many more sick and wounded people remain trapped in Gaza without clear mechanisms for evacuation.
Thousands Still in Need of Urgent Care
According to Nytimes, over 10,000 sick and injured individuals in Gaza are in urgent need for medical treatment available only outside the enclave, the World Health Organization said this week. This group includes those who have been wounded in airstrikes, cancer patients, children with life-threatening conditions, and elderly individuals needing surgeries.
Health Sector Struggles Under Blockade
Due to the Israeli-Egyptian blockade intended to restrict Hamas, the health sector in Gaza has had significant difficulties for more than 15 years. Before the present battle, a large number of Gazans were forced to leave the Gaza Strip to receive critical medical care, such chemotherapy, which is in short supply there.
Rafah Crossing Closure and Alternatives
The Rafah crossing with Egypt, the primary exit point for Gazans seeking medical treatment, has been closed since May due to an Israeli military offensive and subsequent destruction in a fire. This closure led to at least two sick Gazans dying while awaiting evacuation.
New Route Through Kerem Shalom
On Thursday, the group of children was transported through the Kerem Shalom crossing into Israeli territory before moving on to Egypt. This route does not yet indicate a new permanent solution for medical evacuations from Gaza.
Individual Stories of Hope and Uncertainty
One of the evacuated children, 10-month-old Sadeel Hamdan, suffers from severe liver failure and needed a transplant. Her father, Tamer Hamdan, accompanied her to be a partial liver donor. While grateful for the opportunity to seek treatment, Mr. Hamdan’s wife and three other children had to remain in Gaza, causing additional stress and uncertainty.
Ongoing Struggles for Evacuation
For each patient who was evacuated, many others remain in Gaza. Muna Abu Holi, a college professor, lost one daughter and has two others who were seriously injured and awaiting medical treatment. Despite receiving approval to travel through Rafah in May, the border closure has left them grasping for any possible hope.
Future Uncertainties
While Thursday’s evacuation provides some relief, the need for a reliable and permanent solution for the medical evacuation of critically ill patients from Gaza remains urgent.