By Charlotte Webster-
The initial group of critically ill children from Gaza have arrived in the UK for specialist, life-saving NHS treatment. The Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, shared this significant development with the parliamentary Labour party on Monday evening. Upon their arrival, the young patients and their families were granted access to crucial NHS care, suitable housing, and full support services for an initial two-year term.
At least 50,000 children have been killed or injured by Israeli forces since 7 October 2023, according to Unicef. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images
A Coordinated Effort to Aid Critically Ill Young Palestinians
This is the very first time children have been brought to the UK for treatment as part of a joint government operation. The Foreign Office, Home Office, and Department of Health and Social Care have all collaborated on this important mission. Between 30 and 50 young Palestinians are expected to receive care. Two severely ill children and their families have already reached Scotland for treatment, as confirmed by Holyrood.
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Foreign Secretary Cooper told the Mirror that significant diplomatic efforts were necessary to help the children leave Gaza. “This work is ongoing, and I am committed to doing our part to help these injured families and also support students entering their courses this autumn,” she said.
Neil Gray, the Scottish Health Secretary and SNP MSP for Airdrie & Shotts, stated that the Scottish government had agreed to support the care of up to 20 young Palestinians. They are expected to arrive in Scotland over the coming weeks. Gray described this initial help as a “small step towards restoring some humanity to the catastrophic situation in Gaza.” He also mentioned the Scottish government’s close work with health boards and local authorities to ensure these families receive housing and essential support.
Downing Street is also working to assist students with places at British universities. A private initiative, Project Pure Hope, has also brought some Palestinian children to the UK for medical care. This humanitarian initiative was established by a group of senior doctors and healthcare leaders.
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The situation remains dire in the region. Since global food security experts declared a famine in Gaza City on August 22, the territory’s health ministry has reported at least 142 deaths from starvation and malnutrition. According to Unicef, more than 50,000 children are estimated to have been killed or injured by Israeli forces since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. This is why more children from Gaza arrive in UK for much-needed medical attention.
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