LONDON (AP) - British officials are taking significant steps to evacuate critically sick and injured children from Gaza to allow them access to specialized treatment in hospitals across the United Kingdom. This initiative was announced by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Monday, who indicated that the first group of patients will arrive in the coming weeks.
Lammy expressed his outrage regarding the insufficient humanitarian aid entering Gaza, attributing this situation to the actions of the Israeli government. He declared that the United Kingdom would allocate an additional 15 million pounds (approximately $20 million) for medical assistance aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the surrounding region. According to Lammy, the dire circumstances in Gaza represent a manmade famine occurring in the 21st century, highlighting the urgent need for escalated humanitarian efforts.
“This is not a natural disaster; it’s a manmade famine in the 21st century,” Lammy said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He called for an immediate ceasefire, asserting that it is the only viable solution to end the suffering and allow for humanitarian aid to flow more freely into the region.
Additionally, Lammy provided updates on the support given to Gazan students who have received scholarships to study at universities in the United Kingdom. He stated that British officials are facilitating the process for these students to commence their studies in the fall, accompanied by their family members. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper reinforced this commitment in Parliament, mentioning that expedited visa processes are being put in place for these scholarships.
Reports from British media indicate that efforts are underway to evacuate nine students from Gaza who were awarded Chevening scholarships, which are funded by the UK Foreign Office. However, it was noted that many other Palestinian students with offers to study in the UK remain in a state of uncertainty regarding their circumstances.
The specifics of the evacuation process have not been disclosed by officials, as the situation is considered sensitive and complex. The British government is collaborating with international organizations to provide assistance in the region. Apart from logistics for evacuating students and children, the UK is also funding field hospital operations in Gaza through charitable donations and is engaged with the World Health Organization in Egypt to offer support for the medical treatment of approximately 8,000 individuals who have been medically evacuated from Gaza.
Other European nations, including Italy, have joined the evacuation efforts, successfully assisting in the transfer of students and sick children from Gaza to safety. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, with numerous reports indicating that the largest city within the Gaza Strip is currently grappling with famine-like conditions, as highlighted by one of the world’s leading authorities on food insecurity.
The combined efforts of the UK and other European nations signal a crucial recognition of the severe humanitarian needs arising from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As the world watches the developments unfold, calls for a strategic and immediate humanitarian response continue to echo in political discussions, urging actions to alleviate the suffering and provide necessary medical aid to those afflicted by the crisis.
