Image Credits : Al Jazeera
The European Commission emphasized the importance of this operation, which underlines the commitment of the EU to provide medical aid to the most vulnerable populations in conflict zones. The evacuated children, many of whom require urgent medical care not available in Gaza, were flown to Spain for special treatment. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address critical health needs in the Gaza Strip, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts and blockades.
This unprecedented evacuation was possible thanks to the cooperation of several EU member states. Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Romania, Slovakia and Spain have pledged to support medical evacuations and are providing resources and treatment to patients. These countries provided a wide range of assistance from logistics to medical expertise, ensuring the smooth transfer and subsequent care of evacuees.
EU Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič emphasized the critical nature of this operation and stated that the EU remains continuously committed to humanitarian aid. He expressed his gratitude to the Member States and international organizations that participated in this operation, emphasizing the role of the EU in global humanitarian aid operations.
The children and their families, many of whom had to endure long hardships, receive a thorough medical evaluation and treatment upon arrival in Spain. The European Commission noted that this initiative not only provides immediate relief but also sets a precedent for future medical evacuations and international cooperation in humanitarian crises.
In a statement, the WHO and the PCRF reiterated their support for the EU’s efforts and emphasized the need to continue working together to address Gaza’s urgent medical needs. They called on the international community to support such initiatives and ensure that children in conflict zones receive the necessary medical care.
This first EU evacuation is an important step in meeting Gaza’s urgent health needs. It demonstrates the power of international cooperation in delivering critical humanitarian aid to those who need it most and sets a hopeful precedent for future efforts.