What's happened
Since October 2023, Gaza's healthcare system has been decimated by ongoing conflict, with hospitals damaged and supplies limited. The UK has begun evacuating critically ill children for treatment, supported by WHO and international efforts, amid accusations of systemic targeting of healthcare by Israel and Hamas's use of hospitals for military purposes.
What's behind the headline?
The evacuation of critically ill children from Gaza by the UK highlights the severe collapse of Gaza's healthcare system, which has been systematically dismantled through repeated Israeli bombings and restrictions. The international community's calls for restoring medical corridors and lifting restrictions reflect a recognition that Gaza's hospitals are no longer functional, with over 94% damaged or destroyed. The use of hospitals by Hamas for military purposes, as revealed by declassified IDF documents, complicates the legal and ethical landscape, blurring the lines between civilian and military targets. This strategy violates international law and endangers civilian lives, fueling accusations of systemic genocide. The UK’s efforts demonstrate a rare instance of cross-border humanitarian action, but the broader challenge remains: how to ensure safe, sustained access to medical aid and rebuild Gaza’s health infrastructure amid ongoing conflict. The situation underscores the urgent need for international diplomatic pressure to protect healthcare facilities and facilitate medical evacuations, which could save thousands of lives and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.
What the papers say
The articles from The New Arab, The Independent, The Mirror, and The Times of Israel collectively depict a complex picture: while the UK and international agencies are actively evacuating critically ill children and calling for the restoration of medical corridors, Israel maintains that its military actions target Hamas military infrastructure, including hospitals used for military purposes. The declassified IDF documents reveal Hamas’s deliberate embedding of military operations within Gaza’s healthcare system, violating international law and endangering civilians. The contrasting narratives highlight the difficulty of distinguishing between civilian and military targets in Gaza, with Israel’s actions criticized for systemic destruction of healthcare, and the UK’s efforts seen as vital humanitarian responses. The UN’s recent declaration of genocide underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the systemic nature of the violence and the collapse of Gaza’s health infrastructure. The international community remains divided, with some countries supporting Palestinian statehood as a solution, while others focus on immediate humanitarian needs.
How we got here
The conflict in Gaza escalated in October 2023, with Israel's military operations severely damaging the healthcare infrastructure. Hamas's use of hospitals for military purposes has complicated international efforts to provide medical aid. The UK announced plans to evacuate critically ill children, supported by WHO, as hospitals in Gaza face collapse and shortages of supplies. Israel controls access to Gaza and has accused Hamas of using hospitals for military activities, which has led to international controversy and accusations of systemic targeting of healthcare.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Are Children Being Evacuated from Gaza?
Amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, the UK is evacuating children for medical treatment due to hospital closures and shortages. Many families are wondering what’s happening, how the evacuations work, and what the current situation is. Here’s what you need to know about the humanitarian efforts and the broader crisis in Gaza.
-
What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the top headlines shaping our world right now. From astronomical events to international crises and breakthroughs in medicine, these stories are capturing global attention. Curious about what’s happening and why it matters? Read on for a comprehensive overview of today’s most important news stories and answers to your pressing questions.
-
Why Are Children Being Evacuated from Gaza?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to urgent humanitarian efforts, including the evacuation of children for medical treatment. Many are asking why these evacuations are happening and what the current situation is. Below, we explore the reasons behind these evacuations, the challenges faced, and what the international community is doing to help vulnerable children caught in the conflict.
-
How Are Conflicts Like in Gaza Affecting Children and Education Worldwide?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has far-reaching impacts beyond the immediate violence. Children are among the most vulnerable, facing threats to their health, safety, and education. This page explores how such conflicts influence children globally, what long-term effects they face, and what international efforts are underway to protect young lives. Learn about the humanitarian responses, including evacuations and aid, and understand the broader implications of war on future generations.
-
Why Is the UK Evacuating Children from Gaza Now?
The UK has begun evacuating critically ill children from Gaza amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. This move raises questions about the reasons behind these evacuations, the challenges involved, and what it means for the broader Gaza conflict. Below, we explore the key aspects of this urgent situation and answer common questions about international aid efforts and the impact on civilians.
-
What is the current situation in Gaza and why are evacuations happening?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with many civilians facing danger and displacement. Evacuations are underway to protect vulnerable populations, especially critically ill children and families, amid the destruction of healthcare facilities and ongoing military actions. This page explores the latest developments, international responses, and what it means for civilians caught in the conflict.
-
Why Is the UK Evacuating Children from Gaza Now?
Amid ongoing conflict and collapsing healthcare in Gaza, the UK has begun evacuating critically ill children to ensure they receive urgent medical care. This move raises questions about the current humanitarian crisis, international efforts, and the risks involved. Below, we explore the reasons behind these evacuations and what they mean for affected families and global aid efforts.
-
What’s the Latest on Gaza Evacuations and International Diplomacy?
Recent developments in Gaza and global political moves have raised many questions. From evacuations of critically ill children to diplomatic visits by leaders, these events are shaping international responses and humanitarian efforts. Curious about the current situation, the role of international organizations, and how these events connect to broader conflicts? Read on for clear, concise answers to your most pressing questions.
-
Why Is the UK Evacuating Children from Gaza?
Amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, the UK has begun evacuating critically ill children for medical treatment. This move raises questions about the current state of Gaza's healthcare system, international involvement, and the broader humanitarian crisis. Below, we explore the reasons behind these evacuations and what they mean for civilians caught in the conflict.
More on these topics
-
Yvette Cooper (born 20 March 1969) is a British politician who has served as Foreign Secretary since September 2025, having previously served as Home Secretary from 2024 to 2025. A member of the Labour Party, Cooper has been Member of Parliament (MP)...
-
Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
-
The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment
-
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
-
Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
-
Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.