London, September 14(HS): The first group of critically ill and injured Palestinian children has been successfully evacuated from Gaza and is expected to arrive in the United Kingdom imminently to receive treatment under the National Health Service (NHS). This marks a significant milestone in a government-led humanitarian operation coordinated by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Home Office, and the Department of Health.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed the evacuation in an interview with the Daily Mirror, emphasizing the diplomatic efforts required to facilitate the safe departure of the children amidst the ongoing conflict. The initial group reportedly consists of between 30 and 50 children, each potentially accompanied by family members, according to government sources.

In addition to medical evacuations, the UK government is actively working to assist Palestinian students who have secured placements at British universities, helping them travel safely to begin their studies.

The urgency of medical evacuations underscores the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the local health system has been pushed beyond its limits by sustained military offensives. The Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza recently reported that at least 142 people have died from starvation and malnutrition since August, following a UN-backed declaration of famine conditions.

The Israeli military asserts it is facilitating aid deliveries to Gaza and disputes the reported figures related to malnutrition. However, the health sector’s collapse in Gaza presents severe challenges, making external medical assistance and evacuation essential for the survival of many vulnerable children.

This evacuation effort is part of a broader international push to provide humanitarian relief and medical care amid escalating violence and suffering in Gaza.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar