In a makeshift tent in al-Shati refugee camp, in the north of the Gaza Strip, 33-year-old Enas Abu Daqqa holds her tiny baby daughter Niveen in her arms. A fan hums constantly behind her to break the morning heat. Enas worries that Niveen's health might deteriorate at any point. She is only seven months old, and was born during the war with a hole in her heart. As her mother explains how she struggled to keep her alive amid a collapsing health system in Gaza, Niveen, with her big brown eyes and tiny frame, cries and fidgets. "The war has been very tough for her," Enas tells the BBC. "She wasn't gaining any weight, and she would get sick so easily." Niveen's only chance to survive was to receive urgent care outside Gaza. And in early March, Jordan made that possible. As a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel held, 29 sick Gazan children, including Niveen, were evacuated to Jordan to receive treatment in the country's hospitals. Her mother and older sister were brought out with her. They were the first children evacuated to Jordan after King Abdullah announced plans to treat 2,000 sick Gazan children in hospitals there during a visit to the US the previous month. These evacuations were co-ordinated with the Israeli authorities who do background checks on the parents travelling with their children. Doctors in Jordan performed successful open-heart surgery on Niveen, and she was slowly beginning to recover. But about two weeks into the children's treatment, the ceasefire in Gaza collapsed when Israel resumed its offensive against Hamas, and the war was back on, in full force. For weeks, Enas followed the news from her daughter's hospital room in Jordan, worrying about the safety of her husband and other children who were still in Gaza. And then late at night on 12 May, the Jordanian authorities told Enas they were sending her and her family back to Gaza the following day, as they said Niveen had completed her treatment. Enas was shocked. "We left while there was a ceasefire. How could they send us back after the war had restarted?" she says, frustrated. Enas is now reunited with her husband and children in Gaza. They say Niveen did not complete her treatment before she was sent back, and they worry that her condition could get worse. "My daughter is in a very bad condition that could lead to her death," says Enas. "She has heart disease. Sometimes she suffocates and turns blue. She can't continue living in a tent." On 13 May, Jordan announced that it had sent 17 children back to Gaza "after completing their treatment". And the next day, a new group of four sick children were evacuated from Gaza to Jordan. The Jordanian authorities have told the BBC that all children sent back were in good medical condition, rejecting claims that they did not complete their treatment. The authorities noted that the kingdom was clear from the beginning about its intention to send the children back once they were better, adding that this was necessary "for logistical and political reasons". "Jordan's policy is to keep Palestinians on their land, and not to contribute to their displacement outside their territory," a foreign ministry statement sent to the BBC said. The return of the 17 children would also allow for more sick children to be evacuated from Gaza, it added. But an official in the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza told the BBC the children still needed care, and that their return to the war endangered their lives. This is exactly what worries 30-year-old Nihaya Bassel. Her son, Mohammed, who is just over a year old, suffers from asthma and serious food allergies. She believes her son did not receive the full treatment he deserved. "We're back to living in fear and hunger, surrounded by death," Nihaya says as her eyes fill up with tears. "How can I get this child the milk that he needs to drink? He doesn't eat even though he's just over a year old, because if he eats, he will immediately get sick." Israel imposed a strict siege on the Gaza Strip 11 weeks ago, cutting off all supplies including food, medicine, shelter and fuel. It said this and the resumed offensive were meant to put pressure on Hamas to release the hostages still held in Gaza. International organisations warn that Palestinians living there are at "critical risk of famine". On Monday, Israel announced it would allow a "minimal" amount of food into Gaza following US pressure. The UN welcomed the crossing of five lorries carrying aid including baby food, but called it "a drop in the ocean". Nihaya is now living in a small, tented area in al-Shati camp with her brother-in-law's family. Her husband and three other children had fled there from elsewhere in northern Gaza, escaping heavy Israeli strikes as the war restarted while she was in Jordan. "I left my children here. I left my husband here. They went through hell while I was away," Nihaya says as she bursts into tears. "My mind and heart were constantly with them in Gaza while I was in Jordan. All of this so that my child could get treated. Why force me back before finishing his treatment?" As she speaks, the sounds of Israeli surveillance drones drown out her voice. Her toddler runs around next to her, at times almost stumbling into a smoky open fire in the tent that the family uses for cooking meals. She struggles to contain her anger as she recounts her journey back to Gaza. "We didn't leave [till] 04:00, and didn't arrive in Gaza till 22:45," she says. As they reached the border crossing, Nihaya says they were harassed by Israeli security forces. "They started cursing at us. They threatened to beat us. They took all our money. They took our mobile phones, our bags and everything," she says, noting that they confiscated all the bags of anyone who had cash on them. Enas said the same thing happened to her, noting that her medical supplies were confiscated too. The Israeli army told the BBC that they confiscated "undeclared cash exceeding normal limits" from Gazans returning from Jordan due to suspicions that they would be "used for terrorism within Gaza". It notes that the money is being held while circumstances are investigated. It has not given a reason for why other personal belongings were confiscated. Nihaya says she has come back from Jordan "empty-handed"; even her son's medical records were in the bags that the Israeli security forces took away, she says. Jordan says it has given children like Niveen and Mohammed the best healthcare it can offer, and both families acknowledge this. But they worry that a life in one of the world's deadliest war zones for children will just undo all the progress their children have made over the past two months. "I got my son to a point where I was very happy to see him like that," Nihaya says through her tears. "Now they want to bring him back to square one? I don't want my son to die." Edited by Alexandra Fouché
Gaza baby sent back to war zone after open-heart surgery in Jordan
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Gazan Families Return Home After Children's Medical Treatment in Jordan Amid Ongoing Conflict"
Bbc News
6.5
TruthLens AI Summary
In the al-Shati refugee camp of the Gaza Strip, Enas Abu Daqqa is deeply concerned for her seven-month-old daughter, Niveen, who was born with a heart defect during ongoing conflict. The family had hoped for a better future when Niveen was evacuated to Jordan for urgent open-heart surgery, a move facilitated by a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Enas, along with Niveen and her older sister, was among the first group of children to receive treatment after King Abdullah of Jordan announced plans to assist 2,000 sick Gazan children. Although the surgery was successful, the fragile peace quickly disintegrated, and when the fighting resumed, Enas was shocked to learn that her family would be sent back to Gaza just weeks after Niveen's surgery. Despite assurances from Jordanian authorities that Niveen was healthy enough for the return, Enas fears for her daughter's well-being, stating that she did not receive complete treatment and expressing concern over her deteriorating condition in the war-torn area where basic supplies are critically scarce.
The situation for families like Enas and Nihaya Bassel, who also returned from Jordan with her son Mohammed suffering from asthma and food allergies, has become increasingly dire. Both mothers lament the lack of resources and the ongoing threat of violence, which have left them struggling to provide for their children. The Israeli blockade has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, cutting off essential supplies such as food and medicine. Nihaya, who was separated from her husband and other children while in Jordan, recounts the harrowing experience of returning home, where they faced harassment from Israeli security forces at the border. Despite Jordan's efforts to provide medical care, both families fear that the instability and lack of resources in Gaza will undo the progress their children made during treatment. Their stories highlight the broader humanitarian crisis facing many families in Gaza, with international organizations warning of a critical risk of famine as the conflict continues to escalate.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the poignant story of a mother, Enas Abu Daqqa, and her infant daughter, Niveen, who was born with a serious heart condition amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This report serves not only to inform readers about individual tragedies caused by war but also reflects on the broader humanitarian crises that arise from geopolitical conflicts.
Purpose and Impact of the Article
This report aims to humanize the conflict by presenting the intimate struggles of a family affected by the ongoing violence in Gaza. By focusing on a specific story, the article seeks to evoke empathy from the audience and draw attention to the dire health conditions exacerbated by war. It underscores the fragility of life in conflict zones, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants and mothers.
Public Perception and Narrative
The narrative creates an emotional appeal that encourages readers to sympathize with the plight of those affected by war. It paints a picture of helplessness and desperation, which might lead the audience to question the efficacy and morality of ongoing military actions. This could foster a sense of urgency for humanitarian aid and support for diplomatic efforts toward peace.
Hidden Aspects and Potential Omissions
While the article focuses on the personal tragedy of Enas and Niveen, it may overlook larger systemic issues such as the political dynamics between Israel and Hamas or the challenges faced by healthcare systems in war zones. By narrowing the focus to individual experience, it may inadvertently gloss over the broader implications of the conflict.
Manipulative Elements
The emotional language and imagery used could be considered manipulative, as it seeks to elicit a strong emotional response from readers. By focusing on the suffering of a child, the article may aim to rally public sentiment against the conflict and highlight the necessity for international intervention. However, the use of emotional narratives in journalism is a common technique to engage audiences.
Comparison with Other Reports
When comparing this article with other news reports on Gaza, a consistent pattern emerges. Many reports emphasize individual stories of suffering, which can create a narrative of victimhood. This approach can sometimes overshadow discussions about political solutions or the complexities of the conflict, leading to a potentially one-dimensional understanding of the situation.
Broader Implications
The article has the potential to influence public opinion and political discourse regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By highlighting individual suffering, it could inspire increased humanitarian efforts or change in policy from international actors. The emotional weight of such stories often resonates with audiences and might put pressure on governments or organizations to take action.
Support from Specific Communities
This type of reporting is likely to resonate more with communities focused on humanitarian issues, human rights activists, and those advocating for peace in the Middle East. It appeals to those who prioritize compassion and empathy in the face of suffering.
Market and Economic Impact
While the article’s direct influence on stock markets may be limited, it could affect companies involved in humanitarian aid or those operating in the region. The ongoing conflict may lead to increased investment in humanitarian efforts or changes in international aid funding.
Geopolitical Relevance
The article reflects ongoing global concerns regarding the humanitarian crises resulting from geopolitical conflicts. It is relevant to discussions surrounding international diplomacy, military intervention, and humanitarian assistance, especially in light of recent escalations in violence.
Use of AI in Article Composition
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was used in composing this article. However, if AI were involved, it might have influenced the narrative style or helped in structuring the report for emotional engagement. AI models could have been used to analyze patterns in reporting on similar topics, leading to a more compelling presentation of the story.
In conclusion, while the article effectively highlights the personal tragedy of a family in conflict, it also raises questions about broader systemic issues and the potential for emotional manipulation in reporting. The reliability of the article is bolstered by its focus on a real-life story, although it may not provide a comprehensive view of the complexities involved in the situation.