In brief
After being evacuated from war-torn Gaza for urgent medical treatment, 13-year-old Lamis Abusalim has suffered severe health setbacks due to complications following surgery for advanced scoliosis. She remains in critical condition in a UAE hospital, with her family now seeking further medical assistance abroad. Lamis's story sheds light on the immense challenges faced by Palestinians in accessing essential medical care amidst regional conflict.
In early October, Lamis Abusalim, a 13-year-old girl from Gaza, was rushed into surgery in the UAE to correct severe scoliosis that threatened her life. The condition, if untreated, could compress her lungs severely. However, during the operation, Lamis's heart stopped multiple times, resulting in brain damage, leaving her critically ill. Her mother, Shatha, recounts the harrowing journey from Gaza, amidst the shadows of conflict, to pursue life-saving treatment for her daughter.Lamis, diagnosed with a rare genetic disease at six months old, had failed three previous surgeries in Gaza, intensifying the urgency of her condition. After persistent efforts, international organizations facilitated her evacuation amidst Gaza's ongoing blockade. Following the October Israeli military offensive, access to medical care in Gaza deteriorated further with bombarded hospitals and medical evacuations now scant. The attacks, which Israel claims target Hamas bases, have notably disrupted healthcare provisions, while Hamas disputes these allegations.Her case reflects the broader humanitarian crisis impacting nearly 12,000 individuals requiring urgent evacuation from Gaza for medical reasons. In the meantime, WHO and various aid agencies strive to create medical evacuation pathways as appeals for safe corridors persist internationally. Lamis's mother, Shatha, remains steadfast in her endeavor to find better treatment abroad, underscoring every child's right to health and safety, far removed from the conflicts of adults.With ongoing support from the UAE government, Lamis's family holds out hope amidst bleak circumstances, reinforcing the critical need for global intervention to aid those caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions.
