EU Conducts First Medical Evacuation of Palestinian Children to Spain

The European Union announced on Wednesday the successful execution of its first medical evacuation operation for 16 Palestinian children and their families to Spain for necessary medical treatment.

In a statement published on its official website, the European Commission detailed that this operation received financial and operational support from the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The initiative was closely coordinated with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, and authorities in all involved countries.

The statement highlighted that, in response to the WHO's activation of the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism, the EU fully supports the coordination of activities for medically evacuating Palestinian patients to Europe. This request specifically pertains to targeted medical evacuations for children in dire need of medical care.

Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain have thus far provided assistance in medical evacuations, including patient treatment and transportation. The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) continues to coordinate with EU health and consular services, as well as with relevant EU delegations, WHO, and all concerned partners to facilitate these operations, which are expected to continue in the future.