First Gaza Children Evacuated to UK for Treatment

Five-year-old Ghena and twelve-year-old Rama from Gaza have arrived in the UK for life-saving medical treatment, becoming the first children evacuated from the region since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023. Their evacuation, facilitated by the charity Project Pure Hope after nearly 17 months of negotiations, will see them treated at London hospitals. Both girls suffer from pre-existing medical conditions that have worsened due to the collapse of Gaza's healthcare system amid Israeli airstrikes and a prolonged blockade. The UK government confirmed their arrival as part of a private humanitarian initiative, announced additional medical support for Gazans, and urged Israel to lift the blockade to allow vital aid through. Their case underscores the rare nature of such evacuations and the ongoing humanitarian crisis facing thousands of children in Gaza. The girls' families expressed relief and described the evacuation as a dream come true.