Israeli authorities' decision to deport cancer patients from Gaza, including children, who were receiving treatment in a hospital in East Jerusalem has caused fear and uncertainty among the patients and their families. The hospital, Augusta Victoria, currently houses at least 22 patients in urgent need of advanced cancer treatment. The patients, who had received authorization for treatment outside of Gaza prior to the recent conflict, are now at risk of being sent back to Gaza due to the ongoing war. This decision has been condemned as a deliberate risk to innocent lives and has left families like Qamar Abu Zoar's, whose son has a brain tumor, stranded and uncertain of their future.
Israeli Deportation of Gazan Cancer Patients Raises Concerns
The Israeli government's recent decision to deport cancer patients from Gaza, including children, has sparked outrage and fear among the affected individuals and their families. The deportation order has drawn international condemnation as a violation of humanitarian principles.
Background:
Gaza, a Palestinian territory under Israeli blockade, has limited healthcare facilities. As a result, many Gazans rely on specialized treatment in hospitals outside the territory, including in East Jerusalem.
The Deportation Order:
In the wake of the recent escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas, Israeli authorities announced that they would deport Gazan cancer patients who were receiving treatment in Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem. At least 22 patients, including those with advanced cancer and urgent treatment needs, are affected by the decision.
International Condemnation:
The deportation order has been widely condemned by humanitarian organizations and human rights groups, including the United Nations and the World Health Organization. The decision is seen as a deliberate risk to innocent lives and a violation of international humanitarian law.
Impact on Patients and Families:
The deportation decision has left patients and their families stranded and uncertain about their future. Many have been forced to return to Gaza, where they may not receive the necessary medical care.
Qamar Abu Zoar's Case:
Qamar Abu Zoar's 11-year-old son, Omar, has a brain tumor and was receiving treatment at Augusta Victoria Hospital. The family was devastated to learn that they would be forced to return to Gaza, where Omar's access to specialized care is uncertain.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. Why are Israel deporting cancer patients from Gaza? Israeli authorities have not given a clear explanation, but some speculate that it is a security measure related to the recent conflict.
2. What is the legal basis for the deportations? Israel claims that the patients are not legal residents of Jerusalem and that they entered the city illegally.
3. What is the impact on the patients' health? The patients face significant risks to their health if they are denied access to specialized treatment.
4. What is the international response to the deportations? The decision has been widely condemned and there have been calls for Israel to reverse it.
5. What is the future of the cancer patients? The future is uncertain for the patients, but they hope that international pressure will lead Israel to allow them to continue their treatment.
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