A Ray of Hope: Siwar’s Evacuation from Gaza to Jordan for Life-Saving Care

Six-month-old Siwar Ashour, weighing just 3kg, has been evacuated from Gaza to Jordan for critical medical treatment amid the ongoing conflict. Accompanied by her mother, grandmother, and blind father, Siwar's family expresses profound relief as they escape the war's devastation. Their emotional journey embodies the struggles faced by countless families seeking safety and medical aid.

The faint cry of six-month-old Siwar Ashour echoed with hope as she was carried off the coach, marking her escape from the devastation of Gaza. Weighing a mere 3kg (6.6lb), Siwar is a frail representation of the innocent lives impacted by war. Her mother, Najwa, 23, radiated relief as they crossed into Jordan, where they would finally experience a night free from the sounds of rockets. "This feels like a truce," she remarked, grateful for a chance at peace for her family.

Alongside her mother, Siwar was accompanied by her grandmother Reem and her father Saleh, who is blind. Saleh emphasized the urgency of their journey, stating, "Our priority is Siwar's safety and health. She is my flesh and blood, and my worries for her weigh heavily." Reem celebrated their arrival by making a V sign for victory when they stepped onto Jordanian land.

Siwar’s medical journey began at Nasser hospital in Gaza, where her mother expressed the dire situation of lacking essential nutritional formula. Despite efforts by Jordan's Field hospital to deliver supplies, the ongoing Israeli blockade impeded access to necessary medical care. In a recent agreement between Jordan and the U.S. government, 2,000 ill children from Gaza would receive treatment in Amman, with hostile conditions leaving the local medical infrastructure overwhelmed.

In this latest evacuation, Siwar was one of 16 children transported to Jordan, a stark contrast to the chaos she left behind. Upon arrival, Siwar and the other children were welcomed into a peaceful environment filled with medical staff ready to assist. Their faces reflected a shared trauma; families were eager for relief from their harrowing experiences of fleeing violence to secure basic necessities for survival.

Najwa disclosed how the conflict had torn her family apart; her husband Saleh had been absent for two months due to the chaos around them. "I thought it would be a short leave for just a few days, but it turned into two months of hell," he shared.

As they traveled to Amman, Najwa, who is pregnant, fell asleep while Siwar stayed vigilant in her grandmother's comforting arms. The ambulance ride was filled with other families, including children battling severe illnesses.

Upon reaching Amman, Siwar was handed over to medical professionals who will provide the specialized treatment she desperately needs. The family can now rest, no longer living in fear as they await Siwar's recovery amid the hope of regaining their innocence lost to war.