Babies evacuated out of Gaza delivered safely into parents’ hands, two years later

Torn from their families at the start of war, 11 toddlers from the Gaza Strip were returned to the loving arms of parents and siblings after more than two years of separation. Six of the children had not been held by a parent since birth.

The toddlers were among a group of 31 children evacuated, in November 2023, as premature babies from the neonatal intensive care unit at Al-Shifa Hospital, in Gaza City, to the south of the Strip. The evacuation took place amid intensifying hostilities and ground operations, which have since left more than 50 per cent of hospitals across the Strip damaged or destroyed.

Twenty-eight of the infants were later medically evacuated out of the Strip – many without their parents.

“When my daughter was born, she needed to stay in the hospital because she was underweight,” Rawan told UNICEF. “Soon after, the hospital came under siege and I was no longer able to reach her. I was also injured when the house where I was staying was hit. After that, I had to evacuate to the south and I lost contact with anyone caring for my daughter.”

Rawan’s young daughter was one of eleven children reunited, earlier this week, with parents and loved ones in Khan Younis.

“I am very happy and thankful that she is with me now,” Rawan beamed. “But I wish I could bring her back to a safer place and a better life.”

UNICEF helped facilitate the safe transfer of the infants – many born prematurely and clinging to life – from Gaza City to Rafah in November 2023, in concert with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and sister UN agencies. The babies were moved in temperature-controlled incubators under the supervision of medical staff from Al-Shifa Hospital to the neonatal intensive care unit of Emirati Hospital. Some were subsequently evacuated to Egypt.

“My wife gave birth to our son, Ibrahim, in the hospital, and he had to stay in an incubator,” said Jaber. “Soon after, the hospital came under attack and I was unable to reach him. The uncertainty was devastating. My wife’s health deteriorated deeply under the pressure and grief. She passed away before she could reunite with him... I am grateful he is with me now, in my arms, but I wish I could raise him in a safer and more dignified environment.”

As eleven of the children arrived back in the Gaza Strip earlier this week, UNICEF child protection teams were onsite to ensure their rightful reunification with parents and caregivers at Al Nasser Hospital.

The toddlers were delivered safely into the hands of family, in the presence of official representatives, following UNICEF’s full verification of documentation and procedures to ensure their protected reunification.

“Every parent, everywhere in the world, knows the joy of embracing a child after time apart,” said Micaela Pasini, the Chief of Child Protection for UNICEF in the State of Palestine. “Few know the agony of a two-year separation. UNICEF is honoured to play a small role in reuniting loved ones, and is committed to continue reaching children across the Gaza Strip with the care and support they so urgently need and deserve.”

Since the start of this war, UNICEF has reunited more than 1,000 separated children with their families.

Children of all ages suffer indescribable stress when pulled from loved ones – stress that can harm the development of their young bodies and brains, with potentially lifelong consequences.

While initial health assessments confirm the eleven toddlers are in stable condition, UNICEF is now referring them for follow-up and specialized services, and will provide families with cash assistance to support each child’s immediate care needs.

“It broke my heart that my first daughter had to grow up away from me, and that she returned to such difficult living conditions,” said father Sameer. “Still, I am grateful that she came back safe and healthy. I only wish for the war to end so I can give her the life and care she deserves.”