Reopening Gaza Medical Evacuations

In October 2025, a ceasefire agreement in Gaza came into effect. Six months later, Palestinians are still facing a health catastrophe as critical medical supplies trickle into the enclave or are entirely blocked.  

Over 18,500 patients, including around 4,000 children, are estimated by the World Health Organisation and Gaza’s Ministry of Health to require urgent medical evacuation. These figures are appalling and the reason as to why I have signed a cross-party letter for the Government to rapidly reopen and expand the UK’s medical evacuation programme.  

After two and half years of devastation, the war has devastated Gaza’s health sector. Hospitals have been decimated, more than 53% of essential medicines are fully out of stock, and life-saving treatments are largely unavailable. With no new medical equipment entering Gaza this year, aid groups including Medical Aid for Palestinians and Doctors Without Borders continuing to see vital medical equipment failing to work mid-surgery on young children or last-resort measures becoming routine practise.  

Last autumn, 51 children were evacuated to the UK for specialist treatment. When compelled to act, this showed that we can provide the life-changing support that people desperately need. But with only around 11,000 of more than 29,000 patients needing life-saving able to leave since October 2023, this remains a drop in the ocean when compared to the scale of action required.  

Admittedly, we cannot do this on our own, but by working with regional partners and allies here in Europe, we can play a pivotal role. On one hand, offering our clinical expertise while, in unison, increasing international pressure to ensure medical evacuations are ramped up and delivered for those who cannot afford to wait any longer.  

As almost daily strikes still hit Gaza, and vital supplies sit in sight of blocked crossings, we have a moral and practical obligation to act.