Italy to Provide Hospital Treatment for 100 Palestinian Children from Gaza
Italy has announced that it will be providing hospital treatment for 100 Palestinian children from Gaza. The children will be transported to Italy by plane and ship in an operation that is set to be launched in the next few days. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto made the announcement, stating that the first 30 children will fly from Egypt, where they sought refuge and medical assistance after escaping the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
The remaining 70 children will reach Italy with their families at the end of January aboard the military vessel Vulcano, which will depart from the Egyptian port of Al-Arish. The exact details of how and when the remaining 40 children will be transported have not been clarified yet.
The decision to provide hospital treatment for these children comes in response to the serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Over 25,700 Palestinians have been killed since Israeli forces launched a war against Gaza’s ruling Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. The war was initiated after Hamas militants crossed the border into southern Israeli towns and bases, resulting in the death of 1,200 people and the taking of 253 hostages.
Defense Minister Crosetto emphasized that Italy’s move is not just a political decision but a moral duty. He stated, “One cannot remain indifferent in the face of the serious humanitarian crisis.” The children will receive treatment in hospitals located in Bologna, Florence, Genoa, and Rome.
Italy initially supported Israel’s war on Hamas, stating that Israel had the right to defend itself. However, as the death toll in Gaza continued to rise, Italy has refrained from criticizing the Israeli government. This decision to provide hospital treatment for Palestinian children demonstrates Italy’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The transfer of the children will be organized out of Al-Arish, which is less than 50 km (31 miles) from the Rafah crossing into Gaza. Al-Arish has become the international coordination center for humanitarian aid, making it an ideal location for organizing the transportation of the children.
Italy’s initiative to provide hospital treatment for Palestinian children follows similar efforts by other countries. A French warship turned field hospital docked off the coast of Egypt has already treated around 1,000 people from Gaza. These international efforts highlight the global concern for the well-being and healthcare of the Palestinian people.
In conclusion, Italy’s decision to provide hospital treatment for 100 Palestinian children from Gaza is a significant step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region. The children will receive medical assistance in hospitals located in various cities in Italy. This initiative reflects Italy’s moral duty to help those in need and demonstrates the international community’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people during this challenging time.