Gaza Children to Receive Medical Treatment in Ireland Delayed Until September

Wounded Palestinians, including children and babies, are brought to the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital after an Israeli attack on Gaza in late May. At least eight seriously ill children were selected for medical evacuation from Gaza to Ireland in June, but paediatric patients are not expected to be flown out of the Middle East until September. Irish doctors have agreed to treat specific patients from Ireland’s evacuation list. Delays in flying critically sick and injured children out of Gaza via Egypt are a concern.

Doctors were told that the medical evacuation of up to 18 children had stalled due to visa concerns for the children’s siblings. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill plans to bring a memo to Cabinet to recognize the need to evacuate patients’ siblings for humanitarian reasons. In September 2024, Ireland announced plans to evacuate up to 30 sick children from Gaza, initially allowing one patient and one accompanying carer. However, up to three immediate family members per child are now being facilitated.

Two successful missions in December and May flew 12 paediatric patients to Ireland via Egypt, accompanied by family members. Concerns arose in government departments that the agreed terms were exceeded. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald raised concerns about stalled medical evacuations from Gaza. The Government is committed to receiving up to 30 paediatric patients and their carers.

Children’s Health Ireland approved eight sick children for evacuation to Ireland last month. Doctors in Temple Street and Crumlin Children’s Hospital have confirmed their capacity to treat specific children identified for treatment in Ireland. Dr. Morgan McMonagle, an Irish consultant, expressed concerns about delays, stating that waiting until September may pose risks due to the situation in Gaza.