The UK government is facing a legal challenge over its failure to medically evacuate critically ill children from Gaza, a move that campaigners say contrasts sharply with Britain's actions in previous conflicts. The legal action, brought by law firm Leigh Day on behalf of three children, argues that ministers have not considered the lack of treatment options in Gaza before denying evacuations.
The case, taken against the Foreign Office and Home Office, highlights that the UK has historically evacuated children from conflicts such as those in Bosnia and Ukraine. Carolin Ott from Leigh Day stated that the government's current mechanisms—supporting treatment in Gaza and the region, and offering visas for privately funded care in the UK—are “profoundly inadequate” to meet urgent needs.
The three children, aged two and five, suffer from life-threatening conditions. Child Y has an arteriovenous malformation causing daily bleeding, while siblings Child S have cystinosis nephropathy, leading to kidney failure and immobility. Their families say urgent evacuation is needed for critical treatment unavailable in Gaza.
Since October 2023, over 17,000 children have been killed in Gaza, according to the health ministry. The World Health Organization estimates 12,500 patients need evacuation, with only 7,229 evacuated so far, mostly to Egypt, UAE, Qatar, EU, and US. Médecins Sans Frontières has called for more nations to help, citing reluctance from some countries fearing perceptions of forced migration.
A government spokesperson defended the UK's support, noting healthcare provided to over 500,000 people in Palestinian territories and a £7.5m package for medical care. They added that several children have accessed privately funded care in the UK via Project Pure Hope, though only two children have arrived since May. The charity's request for a government-funded Gaza-UK pathway was refused.
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to accept injured children for NHS treatment, stating Scotland “stands ready.” The government maintains it is pushing for an immediate ceasefire and urging Israel to allow humanitarian aid and medical evacuations.
