Al-Qalam 
A plan is in place to bring more of Gaza’s wounded children to the country for life-saving treatment, writes Nabeelah Shaikh.
Several critically injured Gazan children have been evacuated to South Africa to receive crucial medical care, thanks to the efforts of The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) and MealSA, who brought them down – and more are expected to arrive soon.
Among the first to arrive was nine-year-old Mira Baher Khaled Ayash.
Mira arrived last week. She sustained a severe leg injury in an explosion, and her condition requires a specialised skin graft procedure.
A teenager, 17-year-old Lina Zyiad Hasan Abu Ea’mar, arrived in SA this week after suffering a severe femoral fracture in an explosion on December 5.
Lina’s condition, complicated by avascular necrosis, demands surgical intervention and specialised care that is no longer available in Gaza due to the destruction of the health sector. Today (Friday), a two-year-old baby will be arriving to receive medical care.
Sanad Hani Muhammad Al Halabi sustained second-degree white phosphorus burns on 20% of his body and fractured his left leg in Gaza three weeks ago.
The injured will receive treatment at the Raslouw Private Hospital in Centurion, Gauteng, led by Dr Ismail Mitha, the hospital’s Managing Director.
Humanitarian
Nadia Meer of Butterfly Souls, a South African-led platform of solidarity with Palestinian children, has also been working with the organisations to get the children to South Africa.
“The ongoing violence in Gaza has created a humanitarian crisis of unimaginable proportions, with children bearing the brunt of the conflict. As Israeli aggression continues to devastate the region, the toll on the youngest and most vulnerable members of society is staggering,” said Meer.
Meer said these evacuations offer a glimmer of hope for children whose lives have been shattered by war.
“This initiative to bring Gazan children to South Africa is a critical lifeline as the conflict in Gaza reaches unprecedented levels of devastation. Since October 7, 2023, the lives of the 2.2 million people living in the Gaza Strip have changed beyond recognition. The impact on children has been particularly catastrophic. Over 17,000 children have been killed, with more than 20,000 still missing. At least 10,000 children are displaced, and separated from their families,” said Meer.
She said many children still remain trapped under rubble, unidentified and uncounted for. She said tragically, over 25,000 children have been categorised as “Wounded Child, No Surviving Family” (WCNSF).
The situation means many children cannot get the medical help they need.
“The destruction of Gaza’s health infrastructure has left thousands in urgent need of medical evacuation. Yet, there is no reliable mechanism in place to transfer critically ill patients, many of whom continue to languish on the Israeli military’s waiting lists,” said Meer.
She said South Africa has become a beacon of hope for these children.
“Gaza is the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. The most basic rights of children are being violated – the right to life, survival, and protection during war and conflict. Even when the war finally ends, it is unclear how many children and young people will be able to access education, healthcare, nutrition, and other necessities, let alone have opportunities to play, relax, and just “be children,” said Meer.
She said that as more patients are expected to arrive in the coming weeks, the collaboration between PCRF, MealSA, and South African healthcare providers will demonstrate a powerful act of humanity in the face of overwhelming tragedy.
Meer said: “Our solidarity with these children goes beyond borders. It is about acknowledging their suffering, standing with them in their darkest hour, and doing everything we can to help them reclaim their right to life, dignity, and a future.”
