In a major humanitarian effort, the UK government will evacuate critically ill Gaza children for urgent medical care within weeks. Between 30 and 50 severely injured and sick Palestinian children will arrive soon. These critically ill Gaza children will travel with family members through a third country before receiving NHS treatment.
The Foreign Office, Home Office, and Department of Health are jointly managing the evacuation. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) will select the most urgent cases. Before departure, authorities will collect biometric data in a transit country. This move follows intense pressure from UK lawmakers who demanded faster action.
Last week, 96 cross-party MPs sent a letter urging immediate evacuation. They warned that Gaza’s collapsed healthcare system leaves critically ill Gaza children at extreme risk. Some children have already reached the UK through private efforts, but this marks the first government-led evacuation since the war began.
Officials have not yet confirmed which third country will facilitate the transfers. Additionally, the exact number of children remains unclear. Since returning to Gaza may be impossible, some families could later seek asylum in the UK.
Earlier in August, the government promised swift action. A cross-party taskforce was formed to speed up evacuations. The Home Office also emphasized that security checks will occur before travel.
UNICEF reports over 50,000 child casualties since the war started. Severe malnutrition and destroyed hospitals have deepened the crisis. The UN recently warned that famine-like conditions are spreading rapidly.
While Israel denies blocking aid, delivery delays persist. Other nations, including Italy, have already evacuated over 180 patients. The UK has funded regional hospitals and airdropped aid with Jordan. However, MPs argue more direct intervention is necessary.
As the conflict continues, the evacuation of critically ill Gaza children offers a glimmer of hope. Yet, with thousands still trapped, international efforts must intensify to save more lives.
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