Two children from Gaza have arrived in the UK for life-saving treatment in London, it has been announced.
The Government said the youngsters – whose conditions are not linked to the conflict – were allowed into the UK for privately-funded treatment. It is a first-of-its-kind agreement with humanitarian charity Project Pure Hope, which is funding their care.
It comes as new medical support for Gazans was announced by the Foreign Office. The Government has called on Israel to end its brutal blockade, now in its ninth week, and let aid through. Medical supplies are running low and all of Gaza’s hospitals are damaged and party destroyed.
Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer said a “small number” of kids from Gaza will be allowed in for the UK. But the Foreign Office said there is no new visa route for refugees.
Mr Falconer said: “I am delighted the UK has supported an initiative by Project Pure Hope to bring a small number of children from Gaza to the UK, and that they are about to begin privately funded medical treatment here.”
The Government has announced a £7.5million medical care package, including £1.5million of extra funding for UK-Med. This delivers life and limb-saving treatment, and has supported over 410,000 Gazans since the start of the conflict.
There is also additional funding for WHO Egypt to treat evacuated Palestinians. Mr Falconer continued: “Our primary focus remains ensuring our support best meets the needs of the sick and injured whilst they are in Gaza and the region, and the funding announced today will enable thousands of civilians to access healthcare there.
“The UK continues to push for a return to a ceasefire and for negotiations to bring an end to the conflict, free the hostages and help secure long-term peace.”
It comes after desperate parents in Gaza told harrowing stories of their fight for survival under Israel’s brutal blockade. After years of bombing and two months without any supplies being allowed into the enclave, death is a constant presence.
Samah, a mum-of-four, has been forced to give her children animal feed after her home was bombed. She says: “Our life is not suitable for a human. The area where we live is rubble. There is no water. God only knows how we’re living there.” Her daughters – seven, six and two – have been traumatised by sights no child should see.
At least 65,000 children in Gaza are already suffering from severe malnutrition, say local health officials, and many more are at risk. Enough food to feed a million people for four months is parked at the borders, ready to be brought into Gaza. But no food, clean water or medicine is allowed in.
Testimony from within the Strip, secured by Save the Children, sheds light on the desperate situation. Children are begging for food and are at risk of being crushed by starving crowds at local-run distribution stations.
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