‘The Israelis won’t let me accompany my son out of Gaza so he can get treatment – but how am I going to just leave a sick five year old?’

Dispatch

Palestinian patients accompanied by women, sit inside a vehicle before being transferred for treatment abroad through Karam Shalom crossing in Khan Younis. Photo: Mohammed Salem/Reuters

Mohammad Salem

Little Fayez Abu Kwaik clung to his mother before he left for cancer treatment outside Gaza without her, his arms around her neck and his face pressed into her as the tears ran down her cheeks.

Fayez (5) was in a group of children who have been cleared to leave the enclave for medical reasons. His parents said Israel had not accepted their travel request so Fayez would go with his grandmother, whose application was approved.