Thirteen-year-old Lamis Abusalim, evacuated from Gaza for scoliosis treatment, is critically ill after surgery complications in a UAE hospital.
Palestinian Teen Suffers Critical Complications Post-Surgery
Palestinian Teen Suffers Critical Complications Post-Surgery
A teenage evacuee from Gaza faces a grave health battle after surgery in the UAE hospital.
In a severe turn of events, Lamis Abusalim, a 13-year-old who was evacuated from Gaza for vital scoliosis surgery, is now in critical condition in a UAE hospital's intensive care unit. The surgery, which took place on October 4th, turned perilous when Lamis's heart stopped three times, causing potential brain damage according to the medical team. This disheartening development comes after a long ordeal for Lamis and her family, who spent considerable effort to leave the war-torn region of Gaza to access medical care. Recognized globally, their struggle was highlighted by the BBC during broader evacuations earlier in the year.
The story underscores the difficulties Palestinians face in accessing adequate medical treatment amidst ongoing conflicts. Reports state that due to the ongoing Israeli military actions following the Hamas attacks on October 7, most Gaza residents have been unable to leave. Despite these barriers, Lamis secured evacuation with assistance from international organizations. With her condition precarious, her family is now appealing for further medical intervention in the UK or elsewhere. Shatha, Lamis's mother, underscores the universality of her child’s right to safety and care, amidst relentless conflict that the youth did not instigate.
Prior to this crisis, Lamis was known as a vibrant child in Gaza. Diagnosed with a genetic white matter disease, prospects for her condition were bleak without intervention. Despite the challenges, her family rallied for treatment abroad. After several aborted attempts, they managed to evacuate in July with coordination from WHO and other NGOs. Leaving her home and family behind, Shatha hoped for a new chapter, yet the complications have revived their fears.
Lamis's case, one of 229 successful evacuations since May amid thousands in need, highlights the dire medical and humanitarian situation in Gaza. Calls from groups like WHO for international evacuation corridors have intensified as thousands still await critical aid. Meanwhile, the Israeli government's agencies, while acknowledging the complex situation, continue to navigate security concerns even as international dialogues persist. Lamis's treatment in the UAE showcases the multifaceted support she has received, yet the struggle for suitable medical care continues as Shatha focuses on ensuring her daughter receives the best available treatment.
The story underscores the difficulties Palestinians face in accessing adequate medical treatment amidst ongoing conflicts. Reports state that due to the ongoing Israeli military actions following the Hamas attacks on October 7, most Gaza residents have been unable to leave. Despite these barriers, Lamis secured evacuation with assistance from international organizations. With her condition precarious, her family is now appealing for further medical intervention in the UK or elsewhere. Shatha, Lamis's mother, underscores the universality of her child’s right to safety and care, amidst relentless conflict that the youth did not instigate.
Prior to this crisis, Lamis was known as a vibrant child in Gaza. Diagnosed with a genetic white matter disease, prospects for her condition were bleak without intervention. Despite the challenges, her family rallied for treatment abroad. After several aborted attempts, they managed to evacuate in July with coordination from WHO and other NGOs. Leaving her home and family behind, Shatha hoped for a new chapter, yet the complications have revived their fears.
Lamis's case, one of 229 successful evacuations since May amid thousands in need, highlights the dire medical and humanitarian situation in Gaza. Calls from groups like WHO for international evacuation corridors have intensified as thousands still await critical aid. Meanwhile, the Israeli government's agencies, while acknowledging the complex situation, continue to navigate security concerns even as international dialogues persist. Lamis's treatment in the UAE showcases the multifaceted support she has received, yet the struggle for suitable medical care continues as Shatha focuses on ensuring her daughter receives the best available treatment.
