First children from Gaza arrive in UK for medical care after 17-month campaign

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Ghena, five and Rama, 12, are the first children from Gaza to arrive in the UK for vital medical intervention. Report by ITV News Correspondent Rachel Younger and Senior Producer Roohi Hasan

Two children from Gaza have arrived in the UK for urgent medical treatment, the first patients to be transferred after a 17-month campaign for Britain to grant such access.

The girls, aged five and twelve, travelled to London on Thursday, accompanied by their mothers and one sibling.

Ghena, five, needs treatment to save her sight, while Rama, 12, needs an urgent bowel operation.

12-year-old Rama is in urgent need of bowel surgery Credit: ITV News

Rama's mother Rana told ITV News: "Rama had already endured a lot in her life. But during the war she suffered so much.

There was no food for her, no treatment and no safety. Not even in her sleep."

All costs, including evacuation, treatment and accommodation, are covered by private charitable donations, under a humanitarian initiative called Project Pure Hope (PPH).

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PPH has already facilitated medical treatment for injured children from Gaza in Italy, the UAE, and Jordan - but this is the first time the UK government has approved entry.

Ghena's mother Haneen told ITV News: "I feel incredibly grateful to come here.

But I'm praying for all the children in desperate need of care. I saw so many terribly injured children who couldn't get treatment. I pray the world will try to help them."

Five-year-old Ghena is danger of losing her sight Credit: ITV News

PPH supporter Baroness Arminka Helic said: "Giving them access to treatment isn't just the right thing to do, it is the only chance they have at recovery."

"I thank the UK doctors and healthcare leaders who made this possible after seventeen months of tireless dedication and collaboration."

The healthcare system in Gaza has been severely degraded [2], with hospitals overwhelmed, infrastructure damaged, and medical supplies critically limited.

The girls will now receive specialist care in the private wings of leading London hospitals, supported by multidisciplinary teams specialising in surgery, paediatrics, and psychological health.

Beyond urgent medical care, PPH is providing the families with temporary housing, interpreters, mental health services and safeguarding measures.

PPH says this first patient transfer marks the beginning of a broader programme to provide medical treatment for more children in the months ahead.

Minister for the Middle East Hamish 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.

"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."

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References

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