'SCOTLAND stands ready" to treat up to 20 children from Gaza in hospitals, the country's Health Secretary has said.
Secretary Neil Gray made the statement after it was announced by the UK Government that a cross-government taskforce is working urgently to get sick and injured children, who have been targeted by Israel, out of Gaza.
The UK is partnering with the World Health Organization (WHO), which works on the ground and plays a critical role in supporting medical evacuations from Gaza during the ongoing genocide.
The first patients who are accepted for evacuation and treatment are expected to arrive in the coming weeks. They will be accompanied by their immediate family members and will travel via a third country. Further patient arrivals are expected later in the autumn.
“This is a small step towards restoring some humanity to the catastrophic situation that is unfolding in Gaza as a result of Israel’s actions," Gray said in a statement.
"The First Minister wrote to the Prime Minister on July 9 to request support in meeting the call from UNICEF that Scotland provide care for children from Gaza – the Scottish Government welcomes the UK Government’s decision to now act.
“Scotland stands ready to play its part and our hospitals have committed to treat up to 20 children from Gaza, this is in response to a direct request from UNICEF. Clearly these child arrivals from Gaza will have complex care needs - any decisions to treat children in Scotland will be taken on a case-by-case basis to determine that it is the right course of action for the child."
He added: “The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) finding that famine is present in Gaza should shock the international community, who must now act. This is a man-made famine that will only worsen unless Israel stops its barbarity immediately.”
A statement from the UK Government said: "We will work with local authorities to ensure those that arrive in the UK receive the help and support they need during their stay in the UK.
"This is a sensitive and complex process, as patients and their families are likely to be traumatised from the horrendous conflict in Gaza. Their safety and wellbeing are our top priority, so we will not be providing a running commentary on the evacuation process.
"The UK continues to support medical care in Gaza and the region. Our funding to UK-Med and their field hospital operations has helped them to treat over 600,000 patients in Gaza. Through support to WHO Egypt, UK funding is helping to treat some of the 8,000 Gazans who have been medically evacuated there.
"The UK continues to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a surge in aid and delivery of a framework for lasting peace."
