In brief
As 33 children from Gaza arrive in Jordan for urgent medical care, their stories reveal the harsh realities of life in a war-torn region, as families cling to hope amidst uncertainty.
We soared above the picturesque landscapes just as the sun’s warm glow began to fade. Beneath us, quiet communities were lighting up, presenting a stark contrast to the reality faced by those in Gaza. Among the evacuees on this flight to Amman was Safa'a Salha, who shared a touching message she typed on her phone: "Oh my God, Jordan is so beautiful."The journey to the Jordanian border was undertaken by ambulance, after which we boarded the helicopter that would take us to the capital. Despite the communication barrier due to the noise of the chopper, Safa'a’s joy was palpable. She expressed a significant shift in her perception of helicopters, noting, "We used to see this [helicopter] every day and it was coming to bomb and kill. But today the feeling is totally different." Beside her, her son Youssef, 16, proudly displayed his surgical scar while sharing his excitement about ordinary things like football.Among the group was young Sama Awad, just nine years old and visibly frail, who is preparing for brain tumor surgery in Amman. Her mother, Isra, voice choked with emotion, expressed her hopes for the best treatment. When asked about the current state of Gaza, she responded boldly, “It is horrible. It is impossible to describe. Horrible on so many levels. But people are just trying to get on with living."In total, 33 children have been evacuated to Jordan to access medical treatment, escorted by 12 parents and guardians. This humanitarian effort was first discussed during a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Jordan's King Hussein in February, with plans to ultimately evacuate 2,000 sick children from Gaza. So far, only a few have been able to leave. Reports indicate that Israel's delays and the ongoing conflict have severely hindered the evacuation process, though some patients have been sent to other nations for medical assistance.The Israeli government stated that there has been an uptick in the number of Gazans evacuated for medical care, despite the challenging conditions brought on by conflict. The toll of the war is heavy; with over 80 reported casualties from recent strikes, humanitarian concerns are rampant. The United Nations suggests that two million people in Gaza face famine-like conditions, calling for immediate international attention and action.As some of the children settle into hospitals in Amman, they join a small grouping of fellow evacuees. Cases like that of Habiba Al-Askari highlight the urgent care needed; she had undergone a triple amputation due to a severe infection. With a spirit of resilience, she has begun to find joy again, playing games using her remaining foot. Her mother, Rana, hopes one day they can return to Gaza, despite uncertainty about their future, saying, “Gaza is beautiful, despite everything that has happened. To me Gaza will always be the most precious spot on this entire earth.”While Habiba and her mother are now safe, lingering questions remain about whether they will return to war or a semblance of peace. The situation in Gaza continues to be dire, and the path forward is uncertain for its residents.
