Passengers who were unable to walk boarded the plane using wheelchairs and stretchers. Some of them had been receiving treatment in Egypt, while others came directly from Rafah, a town in southern Gaza that borders Egypt.
Yara was among approximately 100 patients who were being evacuated on an Emirati flight to Abu Dhabi for further medical treatment. This marked the 13th mission of its kind, with the flight departing from Abu Dhabi and flying to El Arish, Egypt, to gather the injured individuals.
The operation was referred to as a “flying hospital” by medics. They set up beds at the back of the plane, along with IV drips, ventilators, defibrillators, and other necessary equipment to provide medical care to patients during the flight.
Evacuations to the United Arab Emirates are prioritizing children and adult cancer patients.
“He wants to be able to walk again, just like the other children,” expressed Taghred Majdi, the grandmother. She remains hopeful that he will be able to receive a prosthetic and regain his mobility.
According to Dr. Jehad Awad, one of the doctors treating Yara, Yazen, and Siraj, malnutrition has become a major concern among children. In addition to burn and amputations, doctors on the flight have observed that children are experiencing weight loss and iron deficiencies, which is slowing down their healing process due to a lack of proper nutrients.
Awad expressed concern about the high rate of malnutrition among the affected individuals, stating that they often suffer from weakness due to inadequate nutrition and lack of appropriate medication.
Earlier this week, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) issued a warning indicating that famine is “imminent” in Gaza. According to the United Nations, one in three children under the age of 2 in the northern part of the Strip is already suffering from acute malnutrition.
Yara expressed her distress, stating, “We are facing a shortage of food and water. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find affordable diapers and milk for my baby sister, and even if we do, the prices are exorbitant.”
Yara remained optimistic despite the challenges she faced. While acknowledging that her journey towards recovery is still ongoing, she maintains hope for a brighter future. Yara aspires to become a journalist one day, with a passion to share the stories of Gaza. Alternatively, she also dreams of becoming a pediatrician, aiming to provide the same level of assistance that she has received.