Eight Palestinian children suffering from serious illnesses have touched down in Ireland for treatment as part of an international humanitarian effort.
Ireland is to take in 30 children following an appeal from the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the urgent health needs of people in Gaza.
The eight children arrived from Egypt where they were being treated after previously being medically evacuated out of Gaza.
They are suffering from cancer, haemodialysis and other severe medical conditions, Dublin’s Department of Health said.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly confirmed this first group of Palestinian children arrived in Dublin on Thursday evening, along with eight carers and 11 siblings.
The group travelled on a plane provided by the Slovakian government and were accompanied by three medical doctors from Ireland’s health service as well as a translator.
Several politicians, including Minister of State Sean Fleming. were at the airport when the children arrived, along with the Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, and Slovakian ambassador Andrej Droba.
The group was to travel to hospital for a full medical assessment on Friday before settling into their accommodation over the weekend. The families will be housed in accommodation managed by the Irish Red Cross.
Approximately 2,300 patients have been evacuated from Gaza since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, putting pressure on that country’s health care system.
Micheál Martin, Ireland’s deputy premier and Foreign Affairs Minister, said: “The long-term impact of the physical and mental scars being inflicted on children in Gaza is unconscionable.
“The medical evacuation of children to Ireland is part of our consistent support for the people of Palestine.”
Mr Martin claimed requests for medical evacuation from Gaza are being delayed or denied by the Israelis.
Cogat, described as the Israeli military agency in charge of humanitarian affairs for Palestinians, told the Associated Press it “makes every effort to approve the departure of children and their families for medical treatments, subject to a security check”.
In total, 5,230 patients have been evacuated from Gaza, according to Margaret Harris, a WHO spokesperson. The UN said the rate has slowed dramatically with just 342 evacuated since the Rafah border crossing with Egypt was closed in May.
Meanwhile, a march in solidarity with the Gaza people is to take place starting at noon at Writers’ Square, then down Royal Avenue and past City Hall for an expected hour-long rally outside Erskine House, the NIO headquarters on Chichester Street.
Police are advising motorists there will be traffic disruption and to seek an alternative route if possible.
