Two critically ill children from Gaza have arrived in the UK for the first time to receive life-saving medical treatment, following a prolonged 17-month effort by British volunteers at Project Pure Hope. The case marks the first time the UK has granted medical visas to children from the war-torn enclave.
Historic Arrival at Heathrow Airport
The emotional arrival took place at Heathrow’s Terminal 5, where a small crowd gathered with flowers and gifts to welcome the children. Ghena, aged five, suffers from a condition causing fluid to press against her optic nerve, threatening her vision. Alongside her was 12-year-old Rama, who is malnourished and requires urgent surgery on her bowel. Their arrival followed an arduous process of securing temporary UK visas.
Volunteers Driven by Urgency and Compassion
Dr Farzana Rahman from Project Pure Hope described the long and complex journey: “It took 17 months, and we still don’t fully understand why. But when we see children suffering, especially as healthcare professionals, we feel compelled to act.”
The organisation emphasised that the children’s care in the UK will be entirely funded by private donations, and they will return to Gaza after their treatment is complete. The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), which has coordinated medical evacuations to the US and Europe, will assist with their repatriation.
A Race Against Time for Other Children
While other nations have begun accepting injured or sick children from Gaza, the UK had not previously approved any cases. In March, Israel signed a deal with Jordan allowing 2,000 children to leave Gaza for care, though only 29 were permitted to go in the first round.
Project Pure Hope says the UK must do more—and faster. “We’ve lost children because of delays,” said Dr Rahman. “We have a list of more children who need help. This is an emergency.”
The charity’s success could pave the way for more children to access urgent treatment in the UK, amid growing calls for a compassionate and proactive medical visa policy.
