Israel Lets 19 Children Exit Gaza in Medical Evacuation for First Time Since May
In a significant development, Israeli authorities have permitted 21 children, including 19 sick or wounded, to exit the Gaza Strip and enter Egypt. This marks the first medical evacuation since early May, following the closure of Gaza’s sole travel crossing after Israel took control. The evacuation comes amidst a devastating nine-month conflict between Israel and Hamas that has severely crippled Gaza's health sector and forced most hospitals to shut down. The Israeli military body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, COGAT, announced on Thursday that the evacuation was coordinated with officials from the United States, Egypt, and the international community. The children and their companions left Gaza via the Kerem Shalom cargo crossing, with plans to travel to Egypt and beyond for essential medical treatment. The departure was emotionally charged as families bid tearful goodbyes at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Many relatives had to sta...
