Reuniting Toddlers Separated From Family in Gaza

In November 2023, just weeks after the escalation of hostilities, 28 medically fragile newborns were evacuated from the Gaza Strip to Egypt, where they received lifesaving care. Far from home, they grew stronger and healthier, but they were still missing what matters most: their families. In April 2026, with support from UNICEF and partners, 11 toddlers were safely reunited with their parents in Gaza. Six of the children had not been held by a parent since birth. "She is my firstborn," says Samer, father of 2-year-old Kenda. "I only saw her for a few minutes after she was born while she was in the incubator. Then the circumstances forced us to flee." Kenda remained in the incubator until she was evacuated to Egypt without her parents. "Today we are happy that she is well and she has returned to us, and she has recovered," Samer says. By June 2025, at least 17,000 children in Gaza were estimated to be unaccompanied or separated from their families. UNICEF works with partners to conduct family tracing and reunite children with their parents. Subscribe to UNICEF USA's YouTube Channel for the latest updates. To learn more about UNICEF and UNICEF USA, visit: https://www.unicefusa.org Read our stories about UNICEF in action: https://www.unicefusa.org/stories Follow UNICEF USA here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unicefusa Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/unicefusa.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNICEF-USA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unicefusa