Eight Infants Return to Gaza, Families Reunite Amid Joy and Grief

Gaza — Eight prematurely born infants, evacuated to Egypt under medical supervision during Israeli bombardment over a year and a half ago, have returned to Gaza. For some families, however, the reunions carried a mixture of joy and sorrow.

Ahmed al-Harsh, 31, lost his wife, mother and siblings in the war. Upon returning to Gaza, he visited their graves alongside his child. His baby, born at seven months, had been evacuated from Gaza at just three weeks old without the family present. “The hardest feeling is holding your child when they don’t recognise you,” he said. “I hope these children can grow up in peace and stability.”

The children arrived at the Rafah border crossing in late March under the supervision of UNICEF staff and were immediately taken to Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis for comprehensive health evaluations. Monir al-Borsh, general director of the Gaza-based health authorities, described the children’s return as a rare victory amid widespread adversity. “Eight lives were saved from near death,” he said.

Ahmed Al-Farra, director of paediatrics and obstetrics at Nasser Hospital, told Xinhua that “28 premature infants were evacuated during the November 2023 Israeli operation, and five died during the evacuation or treatment in Egypt.” Another parent, Om Jude, said, “The children are finally home. We will take each day as a gift and cherish every moment.” The reunions highlight both the months of separation and uncertainty endured by families, as well as the resilience of the local health system under extreme conditions.