Cairo, August 8, 2024 — The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) is announcing the evacuation of eight Palestinian children from Gaza to Italy. This operation marks the third mission under the framework reached last month between PCRF, the World Health Organization, and the European Commission, designed to facilitate the evacuation and treatment of injured and ailing Palestinian children in hospitals across Europe. PCRF also supported the evacuation of eight other patients who were on the same flight.

The eight children evacuated, with ages ranging from newborns to 17 years old, were in Egypt, and suffer from severe medical conditions, including complex heart defects, general heart disease, cancer, severe trauma involving multiple fractures in the skull and legs, skin infections, 3rd-degree burns, and intestinal damage, all requiring specialized medical care. They, along with their 37 companions—including mothers and siblings—were transported in coordination with the host country, Italy, and arrived at the airport in Bologna. The children will receive treatment at Italian hospitals in various regions in Italy.

Vivian Khalaf, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of PCRF, stated: “The evacuation of these 16 children is a critical step, yet it underscores the urgent and ongoing need for a more sustainable solution to address the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ensure that all children receive the care they deserve.”

She added: “We deeply appreciate the unwavering support from the government of Egypt, the Italian government, and our partners in the different countries who have responded to our appeals.”

Tareq Hailat, Head of PCRF’s Treatment Abroad Program, commented: “Each evacuation represents hope for these children and their families. PCRF remains committed to expanding our efforts and seeking new partnerships to enhance our response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We continue to call for increased international action to overcome the systemic challenges and barriers that prevent the evacuation and treatment of all children in need.”

Thousands of children in Gaza facing severe medical conditions are currently denied exit and access to necessary treatment as the Rafah and Karam Abu Salem crossings remain closed.

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For PCRF media inquires:

Iyad Krayem, [email protected]

Dareen Al Khoury, [email protected]

For more information about The Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), visit www.pcrf.net