The initial batch of ailing or wounded Palestinian children undergoing NHS treatment is being evacuated from Gaza and is set to arrive in the UK shortly. These children are currently receiving care in a neighboring country within the region before being transferred to the UK for further medical attention. The UK Government has been actively facilitating the rapid evacuation of critically ill children from the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip.
Due to the severe deterioration of the healthcare system in Gaza, children with chronic illnesses face significant challenges in accessing treatment. According to UN charity Unicef, over 50,000 children have been either killed or injured since October 7, 2023.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated, “Our efforts are focused on evacuating injured children from Gaza to provide them with assistance in the UK. The initial group of children has departed from Gaza and is en route to the UK.” Additionally, the UK is coordinating efforts to evacuate students who have secured placements at British universities.
Ms. Cooper emphasized the diplomatic complexities involved in facilitating the children’s departure from Gaza and their transit through other countries to reach the UK. She expressed determination to support the injured families and ensure that students can commence their courses this autumn.
A limited number of children have been privately brought to the UK by the charity Project Pure Hope, established by volunteer medical professionals. However, official approval from the Israeli Government is required for further evacuations.
This marks the first instance of children being transported to Britain for NHS treatment. Each child, if necessary, will be accompanied by family members, and biometric data will be collected in a third country. While the exact number of children in the initial group remains undisclosed, previous estimates suggested it could range from 30 to 50.
Keir Starmer previously pledged to assist more sick and injured Palestinian children, acknowledging public outrage over the situation in Gaza. In line with this commitment, the Government announced a scheme to bring children to the UK for cost-free medical care.
A Foreign Office source confirmed collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to facilitate the transfer of critically ill and injured children to the UK for specialized NHS treatment, with the first patients expected to arrive shortly.