Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU coordinated the first medical evacuation of 16 Palestinian children and relatives from Egypt to Spain, funded by the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Which Organizations Funded and Supported the Procedure?
On 24 July, the first EU-coordinated medical evacuation procedure of 16 Palestinian children and their relative members was carried out from Egypt to Spain. The procedure was financially and operationally funded by the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Palestine Children Relief Fund (PCRF) and authorities of all nations involved.
How Was the EU Civil Protection Mechanism Involved?
In reaction to the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism by the WHO, the EU has been fully funding the coordination of the activities to medically evacuate Palestinian patients to the EU. The request considerations targeted medical evacuations for several kids in urgent requirement of medical care.
Which EU Countries Offered Assistance?
So far, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Romania, Slovakia and Spain presented assistance for medical evacuations, including medicine for patients as well as transportation.
What Role Did the ERCC Play in Coordination?
The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), in collaboration with EU health and consular services, as well as separate EU Delegations, is in communication with the Member States, WHO and all relevant associates to facilitate these operations which are anticipated to continue in the coming weeks.
How Has the EU Budget Addressed Gaza’s Health Crisis?
Since the start of the crisis, the EU has been a strong advocate of the health response in Gaza through its humanitarian partners. In 2024, 23% of the EU’s humanitarian budget has been assigned to issues related to health in Gaza, adding up to €32.5 million. Since early January, the EU has also been sustaining the WHO’s Gaza Emergency Medical Team Coordination Cell in Cairo with 22 professionals deployed from the EU and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism’s experiencing countries.
What Statements Were Made by EU Commissioners?
Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management said, “At a time when the remaining hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed and access to healthcare is severely affected by the ongoing war, medical evacuations are more crucial than ever. I thank Spain and the other EU Member States who offered assistance for their commitment to Palestinians in need of urgent medical care. Israel and all the actors involved in these operations must continue honouring their commitment and facilitate the needed access for evacuations to continue.”
Moreover, Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety said:Â
“As the ongoing health and humanitarian tragedy in Gaza worsens, vulnerable patients are being left without the lifesaving treatment and care they need. We must redouble our efforts to ensure safe medical evacuations for those in urgent need, in particular children.”
