![Israel's first medical evacuation from Gaza in months allows 19 sick or wounded kids to leave. 1 A Palestinian man reacts as he says goodbye to his sick daughter before leaving the Gaza Strip to get treatment abroad through the Kerem Shalom crossing, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, June 27, 2024.](https://img.lemde.fr/2024/06/27/0/0/8640/5760/664/0/75/0/1dd002e_386403fd04044d75b597bc2c9f97c608-0-b98106fe5fa74c2f80295d84fe27f000.jpg)
Emotions ran high as families bid tearful farewells to critically ill children cleared for treatment abroad from Gaza on Thursday, June 27. Amidst the devastation caused by the Israel-Hamas conflict, 68 individuals, including 19 sick children and their companions, were permitted to travel to Egypt for treatment. The dire circumstances left many unable to accompany their loved ones, such as Kamela Abukweik and Nour Abu Zahri, whose stories reflected the anguish faced by numerous families in Gaza.
Challenges and Calls for Humanitarian Aid
The conflict has severely impacted Gaza’s healthcare system, leading to a grim situation where over 25,000 patients, including 980 children with cancer, require urgent treatment abroad. International criticism has mounted against Israel’s actions, with concerns raised about the humanitarian crisis and the flow of essential supplies being disrupted. Efforts to address these challenges and expedite aid deliveries are being made, as highlighted by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent discussions with Israeli officials.