First Group of Children from Gaza Arrive in UK for Life-Saving NHS Treatment

Published: 16 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

The first group of children from Gaza has arrived in the United Kingdom to receive specialist, life-saving treatment under the National Health Service (NHS), marking a significant humanitarian effort amid the ongoing crisis in the region. According to reports, the Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, informed members of the parliamentary Labour Party on Monday evening about the arrivals. The children and their families have been granted access not only to NHS care but also to suitable housing and comprehensive support services for an initial period of two years.

This initiative represents the first phase of a government-coordinated operation, involving the Foreign Office, the Home Office, and the Department of Health and Social Care, aimed at providing urgent medical care for young Palestinians affected by conflict in Gaza. Between 30 and 50 children are expected to be treated in the UK over the coming weeks. Separately, two critically ill children and their families have already arrived in Scotland for specialist treatment, as confirmed by Holyrood.

Cooper told the Mirror newspaper that extensive diplomatic efforts were required to facilitate the safe departure of children from Gaza. “It was a lot of diplomatic work in order to help them actually leave Gaza,” she said, adding that the government is committed to supporting both the injured families and students seeking to continue their education in the UK this autumn.

In Scotland, the Health Secretary, Neil Gray, confirmed that the Scottish government is prepared to support the treatment of up to 20 Palestinian children in the coming weeks. Gray, the SNP MSP for Airdrie & Shotts, described the initiative as “a small step towards restoring some humanity to the catastrophic situation in Gaza as a result of the Israeli government’s actions.” He explained that Scottish authorities are working closely with health boards and local councils to ensure that the children and their families receive essential medical care, appropriate housing, and full social support.

Downing Street is also coordinating the evacuation of Palestinian students holding places at British universities, demonstrating a wider effort to provide educational as well as medical relief. In addition to government-led initiatives, some children have been privately brought to the UK through Project Pure Hope, a humanitarian effort founded by senior doctors and healthcare leaders, which has facilitated urgent medical treatment for children in critical condition.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. UN-backed global food security experts declared a famine in Gaza City on 22 August, with the local health ministry reporting at least 142 deaths from starvation and malnutrition. Furthermore, the charity Unicef estimates that more than 50,000 children in Gaza have been killed or injured since the escalation of conflict following Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023.

The arrival of these young patients underscores the urgent need for international support and intervention to address the humanitarian crisis. It also highlights the UK’s role in providing life-saving medical care to children affected by conflict, demonstrating a commitment to both immediate relief and longer-term support for vulnerable families.