Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1427 EAT on Tuesday 31 March 2026

Eight Palestinian toddlers, who were evacuated as premature infants during Israel’s 2023 assault on Gaza, have returned to the conflict-stricken territory after more than two years, bringing a rare moment of relief for their families.

The children were part of a group of at least 25 premature babies relocated from al-Shifa Hospital in November 2023, when Israeli forces stormed the Gaza City medical complex.

Emotional reunions unfolded in Rafah on Monday as families separated by Israel’s assault on Gaza were reunited. Since the conflict began in October 2023, over 72,200 people—including tens of thousands of women and children—have been killed.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said its teams facilitated the return of the eight toddlers to Gaza, accompanied by three family members and two medical staff, after the infants received treatment outside the Strip.

Ola Hijji, the mother of Sulaiman Hijji—one of the reunited toddlers—said she was forced to have a caesarean section at eight months due to severe pain and complications.

“They transferred him from Al Helou Hospital to the neonatal intensive care unit at al-Shifa Hospital, and I haven’t seen him since,” Hijji said. “Being reunited is a beautiful feeling.”

Although a “ceasefire” has been in place in Gaza since October 2025, Israeli attacks on the territory have persisted almost daily, killing over 700 Palestinians and injuring many more, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

On Tuesday, two Palestinians were reportedly injured by Israeli forces east of the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, Wafa news agency reported, citing local medical sources.

-Aljazeera

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