The first group of Palestinian children from Gaza will be brought to the United Kingdom for medical treatment in the coming weeks. Between 30 and 50 critically ill and injured children are expected to be evacuated under a government-led initiative coordinated by the Foreign Office, Home Office, and Department of Health. The children, selected by the World Health Organization, will travel with family members via a third country, where biometric data will be collected.
This move comes after a cross-party group of MPs urged the government to act. In a letter signed by 96 MPs, authorities were called upon to bring sick and injured children from Gaza to the UK “without delay,” citing the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system and the risks facing children.
Children admitted under this government scheme will receive treatment in the NHS. Since the war began in October 2023, more than 50,000 children in Gaza have been killed or injured, according to UNICEF. In addition, the UK has provided funding for the treatment of injured Gazans in regional hospitals and has worked with Jordan to airdrop aid into the territory.
