A Palestinian toddler, who doctors say has only a few days to live without urgent medical treatment, was evacuated from Gaza by the Jordanian military on Monday in a special mission. This came after Israel had repeatedly delayed her evacuation. Two-year-old Habiba al-Askari left the besieged Palestinian enclave following extensive efforts at the highest level in Amman, according to a Jordanian official involved in the negotiations. Israel had initially approved Habiba’s treatment abroad last month but later denied authorization for medical evacuations for over two weeks, as reported by international aid groups. Habiba is believed to have protein C deficiency, a rare but treatable genetic condition that causes excessive blood clotting. Doctors had warned that the child might lose her right leg and possibly her arms. However, many children like Habiba are unable to access life-saving care in Gaza, where the medical system has been severely impacted by more than 15 months of siege and bombardment by Israel.
Following a previous report on Habiba by CNN, Jordan decided to evacuate her to Amman for urgent medical treatment. The mission was delayed by Israeli authorities, who did not respond to CNN’s requests for comment. Habiba was admitted to intensive care in Gaza’s Nasser Hospital with a lung infection, and her heart stopped twice, according to her mother and health workers who resuscitated her. Israel further delayed clearing the evacuation, refusing to allow her mother Rana to accompany her daughter.
Jordanian officials worked behind the scenes to obtain Israeli approval for Rana to escort Habiba and her brother Soheib. Israel initially denied Jordan’s request for an airlift and later only approved land movement. Finally, the whole family was granted approval to leave Gaza early Monday. A senior Jordanian official described the mission to evacuate Habiba as excessively challenging. COGAT, the Israeli aid agency, confirmed on Monday that Habiba, along with her mother and brother, had been approved for departure to Jordan for medical treatment, subject to a security review. Israel’s military campaign since the Hamas-led attacks in October 2023 has had devastating impacts on families, leading to starvation, disease, and destruction of medical infrastructure.
In Gaza, Palestinians are struggling to cope with the aftermath of a year-long war, despite a recent ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas. The psychological trauma and physical destruction have left many in distress.
One recent case highlighted the challenges faced by residents seeking medical care outside of Gaza. A young toddler named Habiba was successfully evacuated to Jordan for urgent medical treatment. The journey involved multiple transfers, including through Israel, before reaching a hospital in Amman.
While Habiba’s evacuation was successful, many others in Gaza are still in need of medical assistance. According to the World Health Organization, thousands require urgent medical evacuation, including 2,500 children. However, the process for facilitating these evacuations is often unclear and unpredictable, leaving many families in limbo.
Arwa Damon, founder of the relief organization INARA, described the situation as navigating a complex and uncertain reality where the stakes are a child’s life. The challenges faced by Habiba are not unique, highlighting the ongoing struggles for those in need of medical care in Gaza.
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