(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

A seven-year-old Gaza girl arrived in Israel with her dad for medical treatment and was then abandoned. The girl was left waiting in a Jerusalem police station for over three hours, but her dad did not appear.

The girl was first quite scared, but due to quick actions of a policewomen, and some sweets, she calmed down and was smiling as they waited with her for her father. She was given food and drink and they played with her to occupy her while waiting.

Police on Monday afternoon 28 Teves summoned the driver of the vehicle which drove the two for medical care. The driver explained to police they were on their way back to the Erez Crossing following treatment when the dad asked that he stop on the side of the road to allow his daughter to relieve herself. As soon as the door to the vehicle opened, the dad fled, leaving the girl alone crying.

Police responded to the scene and tried to comfort the child, then bringing her to the Lev HaBira station in the capital. Simultaneously, efforts began by IDF Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) officials to locate the father. Officials were aware the mother was waiting for their return at Erez.

After a few hours, the father was located in the center of the country and he was taken into custody. He was reunited with his daughter, who was given some gifts by police prior to leaving, and the two were taken to the Erez Crossing and sent back to Gaza.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)