Gazans in Jordan: Battling Cancer Amidst the Aftermath of War

With the war in Gaza forcing them to seek medical care in Jordan, patients like 13-year-old Mohammed Ashour detail their emotional and physical battles against cancer, grappling with feelings of guilt, fear, and homesickness during treatment.

In the aftermath of the relentless conflict in Gaza, a new battle has emerged for some of its survivors—this time against cancer. Many have journeyed to Jordan seeking medical treatment, where they find themselves facing a new reality far from their homes. These patients, some accompanied by family members, others unaccompanied but forming new connections, arrive with heavy hearts burdened by the echoes of war still fresh in their minds.

Laura Boushnak provides a glimpse into the lives of three individuals undergoing treatment in Amman, Jordan, delving into their struggles as they transition from a war zone to a medical facility. Among them is 13-year-old Mohammed Ashour, who, despite having escaped the immediate dangers of conflict, finds himself wrestling with sleepless nights filled with thoughts of his family and their precarious situation back home. The stark contrast of his new environment—where hope for his recovery peeks through— is shadowed by worry for those he left behind, particularly regarding their basic needs.

Israeli officials recently reported that over 4,000 patients have evacuated Gaza for medical care since the war escalated. Yet, the World Health Organization indicates that at least 10,000 remain in urgent need of treatment unavailable within the enclave. For the lucky few, such as Mohammed, receiving care in Jordan is a blessing tinged with heavy guilt; they are reminded constantly of those who are still trapped in a violent and dangerous setting.

As these young cancer patients navigate their health challenges, their experiences are laced with feelings of fear and homesickness, underscoring how the repercussions of war extend beyond immediate violence and displacement into the realms of emotional health and social support. The road to recovery from cancer, therefore, is intertwined with the complicated realities of having fled a war, raising questions about resilience, survival, and the struggle to reclaim a sense of normalcy amidst profound disruption.