September 4, 2024

The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) is proud to announce that Lina, the second patient in the groundbreaking evacuation of critically injured Palestinian children from Gaza, has arrived with her mother and sister in South Africa. This significant development follows the arrival of Mira, the first patient, who reached Johannesburg on August 30, 2024. Lina’s arrival represents a crucial advancement in her journey to receive the specialized medical care required for her severe injuries. This achievement has been made possible through the support of MealSA and our friends and supporters in South Africa.

Lina, a 17-year-old from Gaza, was gravely injured in an Israeli bombing December, 2023. Her condition includes a fracture in the leg that has not healed leading to the avascular necrosis, a serious complication that impairs blood flow to the bone. The medical treatment she will receive in South Africa is essential for addressing these complex medical issues. Lina will undergo a comprehensive care plan provided by a private hospital in Centurion, Pretoria, including both surgical and non-surgical interventions, as well as psychosocial support throughout their stay, ensuring a supportive environment during her treatment.

Vivian Khalaf, Chairwoman of the PCRF Board, remarked, “We extend our deepest gratitude to MealSA, as well as to our friends and supporters in South Africa and the global community, for their unwavering support. The arrival of Lina, as the second patient in this historic evacuation, marks a significant milestone that underscores our collective commitment to providing urgent and specialized care to these children. Her arrival highlights the vital importance of this mission and the global solidarity that makes it possible.”

Tareq Hailat, Head of PCRF’s Treatment Abroad Program, added, “Lina’s arrival is a pivotal moment in our ongoing effort to deliver critical medical care. The Centurion facility is well-prepared to provide Lina with exceptional treatment. The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund is dedicated to ensuring that Lina and all our young patients receive the highest level of care.”

As Lina begins this new chapter of her recovery, she does so with the support and hope of a global network dedicated to her well-being. Her arrival highlights the urgency of continued efforts, as many more children in Gaza remain in desperate need of evacuation and specialized medical treatment. The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund remains resolute in its mission to provide life-saving care and to extend the same hope and support to all children facing similar challenges.