First Gazan children arrive in UK for urgent NHS treatment

The first group of children from Gaza have arrived in the UK for specialist treatment on the NHS with their immediate families, the government has confirmed.

Between 30 to 50 Palestinian children are expected to be treated with young patients  now receiving urgent medical care they need at hospitals around the country.

A cross-government taskforce has been working intensively over recent weeks to coordinate the complex humanitarian operation.

The children and their immediate family members were evacuated from Gaza to Jordan, where they were supported by British Embassy staff.

The government said robust security checks were undertaken prior to their arrival into the UK.

It said it would not be providing further details about their treatment or whereabouts to protect patient confidentiality and their personal safety.

Health and Social Care secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “No one can fail to be distressed by the devastating impact the war has had on the children of Gaza, and I cannot imagine the fear and anguish their families have endured. It is a soul-destroying situation that compels us to act.

“Every child deserves the chance to heal, to play, to simply be able to dream again. These young patients have witnessed horrors no child should ever see, but this marks the start of their journey towards recovery.

“This reflects the very best of our NHS values – compassion, care and expertise when it matters most.”

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper added:”Children are too often the innocent victims of war. In Gaza, where the healthcare system has been decimated and hospitals are no longer functioning, there are severely ill children unable to get the medical care they need to survive.

“As we welcome the first group of children to the UK for urgent treatment, their arrival reflects our determined commitment to humanitarian action and the power of international cooperation.

“We continue to call for the protection of medical infrastructure and health workers in Gaza, and for a huge increase in medicines and supplies to be allowed in.

“The Government is grateful to all partners who have assisted this operation, including the World Health Organisation for their support with the evacuation process, the Government of Jordan and Royal Jordanian for facilitating safe transit and the UK-Emergency Medical Team and NHS clinical teams for their dedication in providing life-saving medical care to these young patients.”

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said:”These children are severely unwell and in need of urgent medical treatment, and we will do all we can to help provide them with a safe and secure place to receive the vital care and treatment they so desperately need.

“NHS specialists at hospitals across the country are providing crucial treatment to help these children and their families – and we are incredibly grateful to hospitals, staff and volunteers who are supporting these efforts.”

Some Palestinian children have also been brought privately to the UK for medical treatment through an initiative by Project Pure Hope, a humanitarian initiative founded by a group of senior doctors and healthcare leaders.