A group of eight children from Gaza has recently arrived in Dublin, Ireland, to receive essential medical treatment following their evacuation from Gaza. Accompanied by eight caregivers and 11 siblings, the children are among the first wave of patients expected to benefit from a humanitarian effort facilitated by the Irish government.
The initiative, which emerged from an appeal made by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in September, aims to provide medical assistance to vulnerable children affected by the ongoing conflict in the region. Ireland anticipates welcoming up to 30 paediatric patients in total, reflecting the country’s commitment to humanitarian support.
Upon their arrival, the children were greeted by several dignitaries, including Slovakian ambassador Andrej Drobathe, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Sean Fleming, and Palestinian ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid. Their journey to Ireland was made possible thanks to a plane provided by the Slovakian government, highlighting international collaboration in addressing the urgent needs of these young patients.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly expressed his gratitude to all those involved in the operation, emphasising the moral obligation to assist those impacted by the conflict. He stated, “There is no justification for the deliberate attacks on civilians and healthcare services in Gaza, and the loss of life has been devastating. I’m pleased that Ireland is playing a part in treating children whose lives have been devastated by this needless war.”
The children will undergo a comprehensive medical assessment upon arrival and will be accommodated by the Irish Red Cross, which is tasked with ensuring that the families receive support and necessary resources during their stay. Ciaran Browne from Ireland’s Health Care Executive noted the complexities involved in coordinating such operations, stating that they have collaborated with paediatric specialists to ensure a smooth transition for the children.
Niall O’Keeffe from the Irish Red Cross highlighted the charity’s commitment to addressing the practical needs of the children and their families, stating that a dedicated team of case workers and social workers is available to assist them with hospital appointments and other support services.
The medical evacuation comes in the wake of ongoing violence in Gaza, which has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread suffering. Since the onset of the Israel-Gaza conflict in October 2023, more than 45,000 individuals have reportedly lost their lives in the region, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Ireland’s Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people. He noted the urgent need for medical evacuations, as many critically ill patients remain in Gaza, facing delays or denials of care from Israeli authorities. Martin described this situation as “unacceptable” and called for immediate action to address the medical needs of those still in the region.
This initiative represents Ireland’s ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian assistance in a time of crisis, showcasing the importance of international cooperation and compassion in the face of adversity.
