Gaza Boy Begins Healing Journey in Texas After Airstrike Injury
A 14-year-old boy from Gaza, identified as Anwar, has arrived in San Antonio, Texas, to start his journey of healing after losing part of his leg in an airstrike. This significant event marks what a nonprofit organization describes as “the largest single medical evacuation of injured children from Gaza to the U.S.” The organization, HEAL Palestine, aims to provide relief and long-term support to those affected by the ongoing conflict in the region.
Anwar, along with his 6-year-old sister and their mother, was placed on a waitlist for evacuation after HEAL Palestine met them in Gaza. Following months of negotiations, they were granted permission to leave. Anwar arrived on Monday morning, joining 10 other children who were evacuated to various U.S. cities, including Dallas, Galveston, and Boston, to receive long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Support and Arrangements for Treatment
A representative from HEAL Palestine informed KENS 5 that the organization is collaborating with the World Health Organization to ensure adequate arrangements for the children. This includes placing them with host families and providing free medical care. On Sunday afternoon, two additional children, aged 7 and 10, also arrived in Houston for similar support.
“These children could not wait,” said Zeena Salman, cofounder of HEAL Palestine. “Their lives are at stake, and this mission is about giving them a future.”
The journey for these children began on July 30, when they and their families crossed from Gaza into Jordan. From there, they underwent health screenings, obtained U.S. visas, and even celebrated one child’s 12th birthday during the process. Upon arriving at San Antonio International Airport, Anwar and his family were greeted by supporters cheering and chanting his name, highlighting the community’s support for their recovery.
Ongoing Crisis in Gaza
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 60,000 Palestinians have died since the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated following Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023. While the ministry has not specified how many casualties were civilians or militants, it indicated that women and children comprise approximately half of the fatalities. Israel’s military actions have devastated extensive areas of Gaza, displacing around 90% of the population and creating a severe humanitarian crisis.
In San Antonio, HEAL Palestine has established a dedicated team of volunteers to address Anwar’s needs, which include medical care, education, mental health support, and recreational activities. This coordinated effort aims to provide a holistic approach to recovery for these children, who have faced unimaginable hardships.
