Eight children from Gaza arrive in Ireland for medical care, including cancer treatment

Government approval was secured in September for Ireland to evacuate a number of sick children from Gaza for treatment and care, following an appeal from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The eight children, with a range of severe medical conditions, arrived in Dublin late on Thursday evening accompanied by eight carers and 11 siblings .Up to 30 children are expected to arrive here from Gaza for medical care.

They travelled on a plane provided by the Slovakian Government for the medical evacuation and were accompanied by three medical doctors from the HSE and a translator.

They are due in hospital today for a full medical assessment and are being settled into their accommodation over the weekend.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly thanked all involved including doctors, nurses, HSE, Irish Red Cross, WHO, the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism and the officials across government departments.

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“There is no justification for the deliberate attacks on civilians and healthcare services in Gaza and the loss of life has been devastating. Ireland has been clear that this conflict should stop. I’m pleased that Ireland is playing a part in treating children whose lives have been devastated by this needless war and I wish these children well in their time ahead here in Ireland.”

The patients travelling to Ireland were in Egypt which is now under strain to provide care to thousands of evacuees.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, said: “The long-term impact of the physical and mental scars being inflicted on children in Gaza is unconscionable. I am conscious that many other critically ill patients remain in Gaza, and their requests for medical evacuation are being delayed or denied by Israeli authorities. This denial of medical care is unacceptable and must stop.”

Ireland will continue to opt in on a case-by-case basis for each child who requires treatment, subject to the necessary capacity being available at that time.

Niall O’Keeffe, Head of International and Migration, Irish Red Cross, said:” We cannot begin to comprehend the deeply traumatic experiences that these children and their families have lived through. We hope they feel the warmth of an Irish welcome and that the globally recognised symbol of the Red Cross provides them with comfort and reassurance on their arrival into Ireland.”