Wounded Palestinian child arrives in South Africa for medical treatment

Mira, a 9-year-old severely injured by an Israeli bomb in Gaza, arrives in South Africa on 30 August 2024 (Palestnian Children's Relief fund)

Mira, a 9-year-old severely injured in an Israeli bombing attack in Gaza, arrived on Friday in South Africa where she and two other Palestinian children will receive medical treatment.

She was greeted by a crowd at the OR Tombo International Airport in Johannesburg, near the private hospital which will provide the children with medical for complex fractures and burns, and psychosocial support.

Seventeen-year-old Lina and 1-year-old Sanad, also wounded by Israeli bombing, were set to follow Mira. Eight companions, parents and siblings will join them.

Their evacuation, the first-ever to bring children wounded in the war in Gaza to the country, was secured by the US-based Palestinian Children's Relief Fund.

Mira, 9, surrounded by supporters at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Friday (PCRF) — Mira, 9, surrounded by Dr Ismail Matha, Riaz Moola, Dr Mohammed Barbakh, PCRH's Ghada Algharbly and members of the local hospital where she will be treated (PCRF)

Since January, PCRF has organised and ensured the evacuation of more than 120 Palestinian children from Gaza to the US and Middle Eastern and European countries.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the South African community for their invaluable support in making this mission possible,” said Tareq Hailat, head of PCRF’s Treatment Abroad Program.

“We are committed to expanding this crucial effort, as many more children in Gaza remain in urgent need of medical attention.”

Around 5,000 people have been evacuated for medical treatment outside of Gaza since October 2023, with another 10,000 who still need to be evacuated, the World Health Organisation said last month.