A medicalized A400M aircraft, operated by the Medical Air Evacuation Unit of the Spanish Air and Space Force (UMAER), landed at the Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base in Madrid on Wednesday afternoon. On board were 15 children from Gaza, along with their relatives, who have sustained injuries or face serious health issues due to the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. These children are set to receive medical care at various hospitals across Spain.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced this development through a post on the social media platform X, as reported by Europa Press. He stated, "A group of 15 sick Gazan minors has just arrived. This is how we fulfill our commitment to the WHO, providing them with safe treatment and giving them what every child deserves, regardless of where they were born: a healthy childhood filled with hope. Welcome to Spain."
The aircraft, from the 31st Wing in Zaragoza, departed on Tuesday afternoon with a team of 19 personnel, including doctors, nurses, and health technicians from UMAER. This mission marks the first emergency evacuation of Gaza residents conducted by a European government for medical treatment.
To ensure a safe transfer, 16 stretchers were set up on board, including one for critical care, to address any issues that might arise during the flight.
The minors, who are accompanied by 27 immediate family members, will be taken to hospitals in the Basque Country, Asturias, Navarra, and Castilla-La Mancha, as well as to the Gómez Ulla hospital in Madrid, which is managed by the Ministry of Defense. All movements are coordinated by the Ministry of Health.
For more information on humanitarian efforts and related topics, you can visit UNICEF or Doctors Without Borders.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/espana/agencias/2024/07/24/llegan-a-espana-los-15-ninos-gazaties-heridos-o-con-problemas-de-salud-acompanados-de-sus-familiares/
