As the aftermath of conflict reverberates through their lives, the journey for many Gazans has taken an arduous turn toward cancer treatment in Jordan. Having escaped the immediate dangers of war, these patients find themselves engulfed in a secondary struggle that is no less daunting. Mohammed Ashour, a young cancer patient, is one poignant example of this complex situation. At just 13, he has reached safety in Amman but is trapped in sleepless nights, haunted by thoughts of the family and friends left behind in Gaza.
For families like Mohammed's, survival in a cramped two-bedroom apartment disrupted by the violence of war had become a daily grind. The move to Jordan offered the hope of recovery but brought an overwhelming sense of guilt. "What will the family who stayed behind have for dinner?" he often wonders, reflecting the bitter reality of those who’ve sought refuge as well as care.
Reports indicate that since the onset of the recent war, over 4,000 patients have managed to escape Gaza seeking medical attention. Yet, the World Health Organization warns that more than 10,000 others are still in urgent need of medical care that remains unreachable within the enclave. This grim statistic weighs heavily on the small number of Gazan cancer patients currently fighting for their lives in Amman.
These patients are not just engaged in a battle against cancer; they confront a host of emotional challenges including guilt, fear of the future, and homesickness. The psychological impact of the war continues to bear down heavily on their spirits, complicating their medical journeys and recovery processes. Meanwhile, the international community remains alerted to the ongoing crisis that extends well beyond the battlefield into daily lives disrupted by disease and despair.
