A frail cry echoed through the air as baby Siwar Ashour emerged from a coach, signaling a moment of hope for a child born amid the chaos of war. The six-month-old, weighing a mere 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds), has been evacuated from Gaza to Jordan with her mother, Najwa, and grandmother, Reem, seeking medical care for her malnutrition.
On entering Jordan, Najwa smiled as she shared her relief, feeling a sense of tranquility for the first time in weeks. "It feels like there is a truce," she noted, hopeful for a peaceful night without fear of bombings. Her husband, Saleh, who is blind, expressed deep concern for Siwar's wellbeing, affirming that their principal goal was to see their daughter safe and healthy.
Reem carried Siwar from the bus to Jordan, making a victory sign as they crossed the checkpoint. Her joy was infectious, highlighting the stark contrast between their current surroundings and the life they left behind. Back in April, the family struggled to find the necessary nutritional formula for Siwar, compounding her mother’s own malnutrition, which prevented her from breastfeeding.
Efforts by Jordanian Field hospitals and fundraisers had delivered some relief, but an Israeli blockade hindered consistent aid. A recent agreement enabled Jordan to facilitate the evacuation of 2,000 critically ill children for treatment, resulting in the evacuation of 16 children, including Siwar, on Wednesday.
Upon their arrival, the family was greeted with warmth from medical personnel. Siwar was cradled in her grandmother's arms, gazing at the crowd of police and journalists. The stark contrast between her past and present became evident: the once grim struggle for survival in Gaza contrasted with the comfort of medical aid and a peaceful environment.
As they traveled to Amman, Najwa, who is also pregnant, fell into a deep sleep, exhausted from the ordeal. Siwar remained alert in Reem's arms, surrounded in the ambulance by other families similarly seeking medical relief. After a journey filled with tension and palpable anxiety, they reached Amman, where Siwar's treatment began.
Over the coming days, Siwar will receive specialized medical attention that is not available in Gaza, while her family finds a moment of tranquility, sleeping without fear for the first time in weeks. This journey marked not only a physical escape from conflict but a glimpse of hope for a healthier future for baby Siwar.
