A group of ten critically ill and injured children from Gaza have arrived in the UK for urgent NHS medical treatment, the government has announced. The children, accompanied by their immediate families, were first evacuated to Jordan before travelling to the UK. The evacuation was coordinated by a cross-government taskforce with assistance from the World Health Organisation, described as a 'complex humanitarian operation'.
The scheme aims to bring up to 300 young people to the UK for free medical care, with more arrivals expected in the coming weeks. Health secretary Wes Streeting said: 'No one can fail to be distressed by the devastating impact the war has had on the children of Gaza... Every child deserves the chance to heal, to play, to simply be able to dream again.'
Officials confirmed that families were supported by the British embassy in Jordan and underwent 'robust' security checks before arrival. On Monday, two children from Gaza arrived in Scotland for treatment with their families. Since the war began, three children from Gaza have received medical visas for private treatment under Project Pure Hope.
Dr Philip Goodwin, chief executive of the UK committee for Unicef, said: 'The decision by the UK government to evacuate and treat hundreds of injured and critically ill children from Gaza could save lives if it is implemented immediately... Tragically, some children approved for medical evacuation have died waiting. There is no time to lose.'
Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper stated: 'In Gaza, where the healthcare system has been decimated... their arrival reflects our determined commitment to humanitarian action and the power of international cooperation.' The government will not disclose further details of the treatment or locations to protect patient confidentiality and safety.
