Around 12 children with cancer or blood diseases were evacuated with their families from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan so that they can continue their medical treatments safely, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday (10 ).
More children must be removed from the region, which is at risk due to the war between Israel and the radical Islamic group Hamas, the organization added in a statement.
Jordanian authorities announced on Tuesday (7) that children undergoing treatment would soon arrive in the country. WHO and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital worked in coordination with Egyptian, Israeli, Jordanian, Palestinian and American authorities to facilitate the evacuation of children from Gaza.
The two specialized hospitals that provide care to cancer patients in Gaza are “overloaded, under-resourced, exposed to attacks and, due to insecurity, forced to close,” according to the WHO statement.
Furthermore, the institution states that the military conflict has severely restricted the entry of essential medical supplies into the region, including chemotherapy.
A CNN previously reported that Gaza’s main oncology unit, the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, stopped working due to Israeli bombings and fuel shortages.
Until the start of the conflict, around 100 patients per day were sent for treatment outside Gaza, according to the WHO.
“This demonstration of desperately needed humanitarian action must serve to motivate greater access to vital care for all people affected by this conflict, both inside Gaza, where the needs are greatest today, and beyond. I pray that the initiative can inspire all parties to put health and peace first,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom.
See images of the conflict between Israel and Hamas
Source: CNN Brasil

I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.