MADRID: The first group of wounded and sick children from the Gaza Strip arrived in Spain to receive treatment in Spanish hospitals.

The group consists of 15 children, ages three to 17, suffering from serious injuries and illnesses.

The children were receiving treatment in Egypt for the past several months after being evacuated from the Gaza Strip.

Thousands of wounded and sick individuals, most of whom are children and women, remain trapped in the Strip due to the Israeli occupation’s control over the Rafah-Egypt border crossing, which has been destroyed since last May, and its ban on evacuation for treatment.

The children were transported by a Spanish military aircraft from Egypt, landing at an army base near the Spanish capital, Madrid.

Another group of sick and wounded children from the Gaza Strip is expected to arrive in Spain as part of the initiative announced by Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, and Health Minister, Mónica García, to provide treatment to 30 children.

The Spanish authorities
are overseeing this initiative in collaboration and coordination with international and local organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and the ACCEM organization for the defense of fundamental rights in Spain.

Spain recognized the state of Palestine on May 28 .

Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA