Publish: 16:42, 06 Dec, 2024

Ailing kids wait months to leave Gaza for treatment

Online Desk
Ailing kids wait months to leave Gaza for treatment
Photo - Collected

The 12-year-old Palestinian boy was lying in a hospital bed in central Gaza, wracked with leukemia, malnourished and whimpering in pain despite the morphine doctors were giving him, when Rosalia Bollen, a UNICEF official, said she saw him in late October.

Islam al-Rayahen’s family had asked Israeli authorities six times over the past months for permission to evacuate him from Gaza for a desperately needed stem cell transplant, Bollen said. Six times, the request was refused for unexplained security reasons, she said, reports AP.

Islam died three days after she saw him, Bollen said.

Thousands of patients in Gaza are waiting for Israeli permission for urgently needed medical evacuation from Gaza for treatment of war wounds or chronic diseases they can’t get after the destruction of much of the territory’s health care system by Israel’s 15-month military campaign.

Among them are at least 2,500 children who UNICEF says must be transported immediately.

“They cannot afford to wait. These children will die. They’re dying in waiting and I find it striking that the world is letting that happen,” Bollen said.

The Israeli military often takes months to respond to medical evacuation requests, and the number of evacuations has plunged in recent months. In some cases, the military rejects either the patient or, in the case of children, the caregivers accompanying them on vague security grounds or with no explanation.

The Israeli decisions appear to be “arbitrary and are not made on a criteria nor logic,” said Moeen Mahmood, the Jordan country director for Doctors Without Borders.

COGAT, the Israeli military agency in charge of humanitarian affairs for Palestinians, said in a statement to The Associated Press that it “makes every effort to approve the departure of children and their families for medical treatments, subject to a security check.” It did not respond when asked for details about Islam’s case.

A military official said Israel’s internal intelligence service reviews whether the patient or their escort have what he called “a connection to terrorism,” and if one is found they are refused. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential procedures.

Osaid Shaheen, who is nearly 2, now faces having his eyes removed after Israel rejected his evacuation for treatment of cancer in his retinas.

The toddler was diagnosed with the cancer in April, after his mother, Sondos Abu Libda, noticed his left eyelid was droopy. The World Health Organization requested his evacuation through the Rafah border crossing in southern Gaza, but the crossing was shut down in May when Israeli troops took it over in an offensive, Abu Libda said.

WHO applied again, this time for Osaid to leave through the Kerem Shalom crossing into Israel, now the only route for evacuees to travel. During the long wait, the cancer spread to the child’s other eye and reached stage 4.

In November, Abu Libda was told Osaid was rejected on security grounds with no further explanation.

She was stunned, she said. “I didn’t expect that a child could get a security rejection.”

Doctors have given the boy three doses of chemotherapy. But with supplies short in Gaza, they’re struggling to get more. If they can’t, they will have to remove Osaid’s eyes or the cancer will spread to other parts of his body, Abu Libda said.

“He’s just a child. How will he live his life without seeing? How will he play? How will he see his future and how will his life turn out?” Abu Libda asked, standing outside the house where her family is sheltering in the Beni Suheil district of southern Gaza.

Nearby, little Osaid — who so far still has his sight — toddled around in the rubble of a building destroyed by Israeli forces, smiling as he played with chunks of rubble. When asked about his case, COGAT did not reply.

WHO says 14,000 patients of all ages need medical evacuation from Gaza, the territory’s Health Ministry puts the number higher, at 22,000, including 7,000 patients in extreme need who could die soon without treatment, according to Mohamed Abu Salmeya, a ministry official in charge of evacuation referrals.

Since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, 5,230 patients have been evacuated, said Margaret Harris, a WHO spokesperson.

Since May, when the Rafah crossing shut down, the rate has slowed down, with only 342 patients evacuated, she said, an average of less than two a day. Before the war, when Israeli permission was also necessary, around 100 patients a day were transferred out of Gaza, according to WHO.

More than 44,500 Palestinians have been killed and more than 105,000 wounded by Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives, launched in retaliation for Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. The casualty toll, by Gaza’s Health Ministry, does not distinguish combatants from civilians — but more than half are women and children

Gaza’s health system has been decimated, with only 17 of the territory’s original 36 hospitals functioning — and those only partially. They struggle with the waves of war wounded on top of patients with other conditions.

Carrying out specialized surgeries or treatments in Gaza is difficult or impossible, with equipment destroyed, some specialist doctors killed or arrested and medical supplies limited. Gaza’s only dedicated cancer hospital was seized by Israeli troops early in the war, heavily damaged and has been shut down.

Doctors without Borders said in August, it sought to evacuate 32 children along with their caregivers, but only six were allowed to leave. In November, it applied for eight others, including a 2-year-old with leg amputations, but Israeli authorities blocked evacuation, it said

The military official said five of the eight requests in November were approved but the caregivers trying to travel with the children were rejected on security grounds. The official said Doctors Without Borders would have to resubmit the requests with alternate escorts. The official didn’t say why the other three children weren’t approved.

The rejected caregivers were the children’s mothers and grandmothers, said Mahmood, the Doctor’s Without Borders official, who said no explanation was given for the security concern.

Children long waiting for permission face dire consequences if they don’t get treatment.

Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan

More News
When the US had 2 presidents, 2 flags
When the US had 2 presidents, 2 flags
Italy, Albania and UAE ink clean energy cooperation deal
Italy, Albania and UAE ink clean energy cooperation deal
Emma Reynolds replaces Tulip as UK City Minister
Emma Reynolds replaces Tulip as UK City Minister
Norway, UK slam imminent Israeli ban on UNRWA
Norway, UK slam imminent Israeli ban on UNRWA
60 dead at illegal S.African mine: Police
60 dead at illegal S.African mine: Police
Suspected outbreak of Marburg disease kills 8 in Tanzania: WHO
Suspected outbreak of Marburg disease kills 8 in Tanzania: WHO
Israel kills female Palestinian journalist
Israel kills female Palestinian journalist
Thailand to overhaul surrogacy law for inclusivity, transparency
Thailand to overhaul surrogacy law for inclusivity, transparency
Australia's PM demands Russia explain what happened to Australian POW
Australia's PM demands Russia explain what happened to Australian POW
US, Thailand sign civil nuclear cooperation agreement
US, Thailand sign civil nuclear cooperation agreement
US House passes bill banning transgender students from women's sports
US House passes bill banning transgender students from women's sports
Cuba to free 553 prisoners after removal from US terror list
Cuba to free 553 prisoners after removal from US terror list
Latest News
Cabrera reappointed as national team head coach for one year
Cabrera reappointed as national team head coach for one year
1 hour ago | Sports
When the US had 2 presidents, 2 flags
When the US had 2 presidents, 2 flags
2 hours ago | International
Commission proposes 4-year bicameral parliament, 2-term PM limit
Commission proposes 4-year bicameral parliament, 2-term PM limit
3 hours ago | National
Govt to facilitate business, won’t engage in it: BIDA
Govt to facilitate business, won’t engage in it: BIDA
3 hours ago | Business
Land ministry’s updated server launched
Land ministry’s updated server launched
3 hours ago | National
Govt introduces market based interest rate for savings certificate
Govt introduces market based interest rate for savings certificate
3 hours ago | Business
Italy, Albania and UAE ink clean energy cooperation deal
Italy, Albania and UAE ink clean energy cooperation deal
4 hours ago | International
July mass killing trial could be completed before election
July mass killing trial could be completed before election
4 hours ago | National
Dhaka to urge Beijing for lower interest rates, extended repayment period
Dhaka to urge Beijing for lower interest rates, extended repayment period
4 hours ago | National
Report on cases against Hasina, Joy over plot scam on April 15
Report on cases against Hasina, Joy over plot scam on April 15
4 hours ago | National
Matiur's wife Laila Kaniz sent to jail
Matiur's wife Laila Kaniz sent to jail
5 hours ago | National
Talks likely with political parties over reforms in Feb: Rizwana
Talks likely with political parties over reforms in Feb: Rizwana
5 hours ago | National
Big syndicate involved in vehicle fraud: DMP
Big syndicate involved in vehicle fraud: DMP
5 hours ago | City
47 recommendations to free ACC from political, bureaucratic influence
47 recommendations to free ACC from political, bureaucratic influence
6 hours ago | National
Bangladesh needs global support for climate adaptation: France
Bangladesh needs global support for climate adaptation: France
6 hours ago | National
DMP files 2,085 cases for traffic rules violation
DMP files 2,085 cases for traffic rules violation
6 hours ago | City
RRP Agro Farms looking for Senior Technician
RRP Agro Farms looking for Senior Technician
6 hours ago | Business
Another cold wave approaches
Another cold wave approaches
7 hours ago | National
Trade in the hands of Bipu- Bobby 's friends and associates
Trade in the hands of Bipu- Bobby 's friends and associates
7 hours ago | Business
Malaysian High Commissioner pays courtesy call on Jamaat Ameer
Malaysian High Commissioner pays courtesy call on Jamaat Ameer
7 hours ago | National
Emma Reynolds replaces Tulip as UK City Minister
Emma Reynolds replaces Tulip as UK City Minister
7 hours ago | International
Norway, UK slam imminent Israeli ban on UNRWA
Norway, UK slam imminent Israeli ban on UNRWA
8 hours ago | International
Reform reports to shape new Bangladesh framework & charter
Reform reports to shape new Bangladesh framework & charter
8 hours ago | National
Govt prioritises gas exploration, extraction amidst crisis
Govt prioritises gas exploration, extraction amidst crisis
8 hours ago | National
'If we cannot deliver justice, we have no right to exist'
'If we cannot deliver justice, we have no right to exist'
8 hours ago | National
Anisul, Dipu Moni, 7 others shown arrested in fresh cases
Anisul, Dipu Moni, 7 others shown arrested in fresh cases
8 hours ago | National
Election pressure mounts
Election pressure mounts
8 hours ago | Special
60 dead at illegal S.African mine: Police
60 dead at illegal S.African mine: Police
8 hours ago | International
Suspected outbreak of Marburg disease kills 8 in Tanzania: WHO
Suspected outbreak of Marburg disease kills 8 in Tanzania: WHO
8 hours ago | International
Police reforms aim to ensure neutrality, says IGP
Police reforms aim to ensure neutrality, says IGP
8 hours ago | National
Most Read
Shakib Khan's ‘Dorod’ to release on iScreen
Shakib Khan's ‘Dorod’ to release on iScreen
11 hours ago | Entertainment
Cuba to free 553 prisoners after removal from US terror list
Cuba to free 553 prisoners after removal from US terror list
14 hours ago | International
Foreign investors allege investment hurdles in Bangladesh
Foreign investors allege investment hurdles in Bangladesh
14 hours ago | Business
Taskin makes it to Wisden's ODI team of the Year
Taskin makes it to Wisden's ODI team of the Year
11 hours ago | Sports
Former NBR official Matiur, wife arrested
Former NBR official Matiur, wife arrested
14 hours ago | National
Reform reports to shape new Bangladesh framework & charter
Reform reports to shape new Bangladesh framework & charter
8 hours ago | National
FBI reveals Joy’s lavish lifestyle in US
FBI reveals Joy’s lavish lifestyle in US
13 hours ago | National
Armanitola Govt High School spreads light for 120 years
Armanitola Govt High School spreads light for 120 years
11 hours ago | Special
Met office forecasts dry weather mainly over country
Met office forecasts dry weather mainly over country
11 hours ago | National
Ranbir Kapoor preps for ‘Dhoom 4’ with major transformation
Ranbir Kapoor preps for ‘Dhoom 4’ with major transformation
13 hours ago | Entertainment
US, Thailand sign civil nuclear cooperation agreement
US, Thailand sign civil nuclear cooperation agreement
13 hours ago | International
Trade in the hands of Bipu- Bobby 's friends and associates
Trade in the hands of Bipu- Bobby 's friends and associates
7 hours ago | Business
47 recommendations to free ACC from political, bureaucratic influence
47 recommendations to free ACC from political, bureaucratic influence
6 hours ago | National
Zia Orphanage Trust Case: Khaleda, Tarique, all others acquitted
Zia Orphanage Trust Case: Khaleda, Tarique, all others acquitted
13 hours ago | National
100 reserved seats proposed for women
100 reserved seats proposed for women
10 hours ago | Special
US House passes bill banning transgender students from women's sports
US House passes bill banning transgender students from women's sports
13 hours ago | International
'If we cannot deliver justice, we have no right to exist'
'If we cannot deliver justice, we have no right to exist'
8 hours ago | National
"Tulip should seek forgiveness from Bangladesh’s people"
"Tulip should seek forgiveness from Bangladesh’s people"
14 hours ago | National
Jason Roy expresses regret over national team exclusion
Jason Roy expresses regret over national team exclusion
12 hours ago | Sports
Biting cold batters Panchagarh, hits poor most
Biting cold batters Panchagarh, hits poor most
11 hours ago | National
Four reform commissions submit reports to CA
Four reform commissions submit reports to CA
11 hours ago | National
Liverpool comes up short against Forest as Man City’s fallibility returns
Liverpool comes up short against Forest as Man City’s fallibility returns
14 hours ago | Sports
Indonesia to set social media age limit, following Australia’s example
Indonesia to set social media age limit, following Australia’s example
12 hours ago | Tech
US SEC sues Musk, saying he didn’t disclose Twitter ownership on time
US SEC sues Musk, saying he didn’t disclose Twitter ownership on time
11 hours ago | Tech
US, Japan, South Korea issue joint warning on North Korea cryptocurrency theft
US, Japan, South Korea issue joint warning on North Korea cryptocurrency theft
14 hours ago | International
Market not coming under control
Market not coming under control
11 hours ago | Special
Thailand to overhaul surrogacy law for inclusivity, transparency
Thailand to overhaul surrogacy law for inclusivity, transparency
11 hours ago | International
Govt plans upgrading Dhaka-Ctg highway to 10-lane, DPP by June
Govt plans upgrading Dhaka-Ctg highway to 10-lane, DPP by June
10 hours ago | National
First shipment of 2,450 tonnes of rice from India arrives
First shipment of 2,450 tonnes of rice from India arrives
13 hours ago | Business
Government pledges to recover stolen money: CA press wing
Government pledges to recover stolen money: CA press wing
12 hours ago | National