A one-year-old Palestinian girl who was evacuated from Gaza for life-saving treatment has been re-admitted to hospital after returning to the territory, highlighting the deepening health crisis facing children amid ongoing humanitarian constraints.
Infant falls ill days after repatriation
Siwar Ashour, who suffers from severe nutritional deficiencies and immune system weakness, was evacuated to Jordan in June under a medical evacuation programme. After completing six months of treatment in Amman, she was returned to Gaza on December 3. Her family says she fell seriously ill within three days.
“She started having diarrhoea and vomiting, and her condition keeps worsening,” her grandmother said, adding that the symptoms have not subsided.
Hospitals overwhelmed in post-war Gaza
Siwar is currently being treated at al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, where doctors confirmed she is suffering from a gastrointestinal infection. Medical staff say her immune deficiency makes her especially vulnerable to infections, while her inability to absorb nutrients requires specialised infant formula.
Hospital officials said child admissions across Gaza have surged since the ceasefire, overwhelming already damaged facilities. Many hospitals were hit during months of fighting, while shortages of medicines, electricity generators and clean water continue to affect care.
Aid shortages worsen child health risks
The World Health Organization has described humanitarian needs in Gaza as “staggering”, warning that current aid levels only meet basic survival requirements. Poor hygiene due to destroyed infrastructure has accelerated the spread of disease, particularly among children.
Siwar’s condition has also been affected by shortages of specialised baby formula. Her family said most of the medical-grade milk they were given in Jordan was confiscated during their return journey, with Israeli authorities citing security restrictions on luggage.
Jordan defends evacuation policy
Jordanian officials said all evacuated patients are returned once treatment is completed to allow others to receive care. Since March, around 300 children and more than 700 caregivers have been evacuated to Jordan, with other countries such as the UAE and Turkey also treating wounded Gazans.
Family seeks second evacuation
Siwar’s family is now seeking a second medical evacuation, with Palestinian health authorities having issued initial permits. The process will be coordinated by the WHO, which has urged more countries to accept critically ill patients from Gaza.
The case underscores the fragile condition of Gaza’s healthcare system and the ongoing risks faced by children even after emergency treatment abroad.