Image Source: France24
Centurion – Thousands of Palestinian children in Gaza are grappling with the devastating reality that they may never receive the urgent medical care they need for their severe injuries and conditions. Living in a war zone where medical infrastructure is in ruins, these children often lack access to even basic human needs, let alone the specialised treatments they require.
With many borders around Gaza closed or tightly controlled by the Israeli Occupation Force for extended periods, the situation grows increasingly dire for these children and their families. Strict restrictions, constant displacement, and relentless bombardment make it nearly impossible for these children to leave the enclave.
According to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) Coordinator Ghada Elghsrably, many children have already tragically died while waiting for evacuation. As the violence continues, the number of children orphaned and on the brink of death only rises.
Although some children are successfully evacuated for surgeries and medical care in other countries, many more face a race against time that they tragically cannot win.
“The border has been closed for five months, and I cannot tell you exactly how they are suffering over there because I cannot imagine it. There is no infrastructure, no medical aid, no hospitals — and the ones that do exist have already been destroyed.”
“The medical system has been completely destroyed, and there is no first aid, no medicine, no anaesthesia. Many things are lacking, and everything is missing over there.”
In addition to the blockade and closed borders, evacuating children from Gaza is fraught with even more challenges. Ghada explained that restricted movement, high fees at border crossings, and the destruction of essential documents make it incredibly difficult for these children to even qualify for travel.
Despite these overwhelming obstacles, hundreds of children have been evacuated to various countries, thanks to the relentless efforts of humanitarian organisations like the PCRF and their partners.
Many of these children suffering from life-threatening injuries and conditions have found refuge and life-saving medical care in countries such as South Africa, Lebanon, the United States, and several European nations.
“It is really a big challenge for us, but finally, we are able to control it. We are still working on many places. We have many cases that need help, treatment, and someone to care for them. Actually, we have lots of cases inside Gaza. They are facing a hard time over there.”
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The Gift of Mobility Project
Last week, two Palestinian children were successfully evacuated from Gaza and safely arrived in South Africa, thanks to the launch of The Gift of Mobility initiative at Raslouw Private Hospital.
The project, founded by Dr Ismail Mitha, was inspired by renowned Norwegian doctor Mads Gilbert, a humanitarian and medical professional known for his work in Gaza. His goal in launching the initiative is to restore mobility to children who have suffered devastating bodily injuries, including burns and mutilations, due to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
With the recent arrival of 17-year-old Lina Zyiad Hasan Abu Ea’mar and 9-year-old Mira Baher Khaled Ayash, Dr Mitha noted the significance of the moment as they welcomed the first patients of the program to South Africa for treatment and rehabilitation at Raslouw Hospital.
“We count ourselves as privileged and we are hoping and praying that we are able to do our level best in bringing them the gift of mobility.”
Though they currently only have two patients, Raslouw Hospital is expecting the imminent arrival of a two-year-old boy suffering from phosphorus burns.
With the backing of South African doctors, medical professionals, and organisations like the PCRF, this project stands as a beacon of hope for many more children still waiting for their chance at life-saving care. Dr Mitha shared that they plan to collaborate with other hospitals and establish treatment centres across the country if the need grows.
“The important thing is that this is a wide collaboration, and it is expected to get even wider. What we’re hoping to do is expand in terms of the number of patients we can assist And the number of kids we are going to bring to South Africa.”
