The UK government recently announced a plan to provide urgent medical evacuation for Gaza children needing critical care. Over 100 severely ill or injured children could soon receive NHS treatment. Charities, however, urge officials to act faster, as delays have already cost lives.
Many children in Gaza suffer from severe injuries and illnesses due to ongoing conflict. Sadly, some have died while waiting for approvals. Omar Din, co-founder of Project Pure Hope (PPH), stressed the need for speed. “We’ve lost children because the process took too long,” he said.
PPH has already helped three children reach the UK this year through private efforts. Now, their model will guide a new taxpayer-funded evacuation scheme. Din emphasized that while help is coming late, many children can still be saved. “We should have done this sooner,” he admitted.
Since October last year, over 50,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza. Starvation and limited medical supplies worsen the crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 12,500 patients need evacuation. Meanwhile, other countries, including Egypt and the UAE, have already helped thousands.
Last month, charities sued the UK government for refusing medical evacuations. Over 100 MPs also pressured ministers to act. Now, officials promise a new plan within weeks. Charities hope about 100 children, plus guardians and siblings, will be allowed entry.
Children Not Numbers, another charity, has 60 children in desperate need of evacuation. A spokesperson revealed 71 children they assisted have already died. “Waiting 10 months for action is disheartening,” they said.
Despite paperwork being ready, Israel’s approval process remains slow. Médecins Sans Frontières has criticized frequent rejections by Israeli authorities. “We’re ready to go once the UK gives the green light,” said CNN’s spokesperson.
Din believes the UK has the resources to assist. “Our NHS and private healthcare systems can expand to help more children,” he said. Many professionals are willing to donate time and funds. The Foreign Office confirmed a taskforce is working on the new scheme. “We’re committed to evacuating children who need urgent care,” a spokesperson said.
For now, charities continue pushing for faster action. Every delay risks more lives. The urgent medical evacuation for Gaza children cannot wait any longer. The world is watching will the UK step up in time?
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