Gaza Evacuees in Greece Confront Painful Recovery and Uncertain Future

A group of injured Palestinians evacuated from Gaza now faces a difficult new reality in Greece. They arrived in Athens in February, brought to safety from the ongoing war. Their physical and psychological wounds tell a story of profound loss.

According to AFP, 26 Palestinians, including 10 minors with complex injuries, were accepted by Greece. These individuals are now navigating medical care, education, and deep trauma far from home, with their futures hanging in the balance.

A Grueling Path to Recovery for Injured Minors

Raghad al-Fara, 15, is learning to walk again with crutches. Her right leg and back were crushed in an Israeli bombing in Khan Younis in July 2024. She spent seven months bedridden before her evacuation.

Her mother, Shadia, says Raghad has received orthopedic care but little psychological support. The teenager wet the bed for months due to severe shock. The family receives no financial assistance from the Greek state, feeling abandoned after the initial rescue.

Another evacuee, 20-year-old Sara Al-Sweirki, is determined to rebuild her life. She left Gaza in September and will soon study psychology at a private American college in Athens. She wants to help others overcome trauma, drawing from her own painful experience.

Political History Meets Current Hesitation

Greece has a history of welcoming Palestinian refugees, particularly students in the 1980s. Today, however, Palestinian officials sense a lack of political will from the conservative government to host more evacuees. They feel a historic friendship has been forgotten.

Public sentiment in Greece strongly favors the Palestinian cause. A recent poll shows 74% of Greeks would support state recognition. Yet, the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has not taken that step, despite popular solidarity growing since the war began.

For the evacuees, the temporary truce in Gaza offers no clear path home. Returning to tents under the threat of renewed bombing is not an option. Mothers like Shadia feel powerless, unable to rescue the children they left behind in what they describe as hell.

These Gaza evacuees in Greece represent a small fraction of the war’s displaced. Their struggle for normalcy underscores the long-term human cost of the conflict, extending far beyond Gaza’s borders.

Thought you’d like to know

Why were these Palestinians brought to Greece?

Greece agreed to host a group of 26 Palestinians, including severely injured minors, for medical treatment and safety. The evacuations took place in February, as reported by AFP.

What are the main challenges they face in Athens?

Evacuees cite inadequate psychological support, a lack of financial aid from the state, and the daunting task of rebuilding lives. Access to specialized medical equipment has also been slow.

How many injured children were evacuated?

Greek authorities state that 10 Gazan minors with “complex” orthopedic and psychological injuries were among the group. They require ongoing, specialized care.

Does the Greek public support helping Palestinians?

Yes. A recent study found 74% of Greeks would support their government recognizing a Palestinian state. Popular solidarity has increased significantly since the war began.

Can these evacuees return to Gaza?

They express deep fear about returning. The current truce does not mean safe reconstruction. Many feel returning to live under tents with the threat of renewed bombing is impossible.

Trusted Sources: Agence France-Presse (AFP), Greek Ministry of Migration, Aboutpeople research group.