A 14-year-old boy from Gaza, named Anwar, arrived in San Antonio on Monday as part of a significant medical evacuation program aimed at providing relief to children affected by ongoing conflict. Anwar lost part of his leg due to an airstrike in Gaza. His arrival marks what HEAL Palestine describes as “the largest single medical evacuation of injured children from Gaza to the U.S.”
HEAL Palestine, a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering medical assistance and long-term support to those impacted by the war, coordinated Anwar’s evacuation after he was placed on a waitlist. The organization met Anwar and his family in Gaza, and following months of negotiations, they secured permission for Anwar, his 6-year-old sister, and their mother to leave.
Anwar is now among 11 children who have traveled to various cities across the United States, including Dallas, Galveston, and Boston, to begin their long-term treatment and rehabilitation. A representative from HEAL Palestine stated that the organization has partnered with the World Health Organization to ensure host families and free medical care are available for the children.
Two other young children from Gaza, aged 7 and 10, also arrived in Houston on Sunday to receive medical assistance. “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 children’s journey 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 arrival at San Antonio International Airport, Anwar and his family were greeted with cheers from supporters chanting his name.
HEAL Palestine indicated that San Antonio has a dedicated team of volunteers ready to address Anwar’s comprehensive needs, covering medical care, education, and mental health support.
As of late July, the Health Ministry in Gaza reported that over 60,000 Palestinians have died since the Israel-Hamas war escalated following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. While the Ministry did not specify the number of civilian casualties, it noted that women and children comprise approximately half of the deceased. The ongoing Israeli offensive has devastated large portions of Gaza, displacing around 90% of its population and creating a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
The arrival of Anwar and other children signifies a crucial step toward healing for those deeply affected by this prolonged conflict.
