Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper recently visited courageous young individuals who were evacuated from Gaza for urgent medical treatment.

One of them, Mohammed, an 8-year-old boy, had his leg amputated due to injuries sustained from bombings near his home in Khan Younis four months ago. After receiving initial treatment in Gaza, he was transferred to Jordan for further care and was fitted with a prosthetic leg. Despite the challenging process of learning to walk again with the prosthesis, Mohammed can now walk, run, and navigate stairs. During the visit at the Specialty Hospital in Amman, Ms. Cooper commended Mohammed’s bravery and encouraged his dream of becoming a policeman like his father.

Additionally, the Foreign Secretary met with sisters Sarraa, 17, and Sara, 15, who endured severe injuries in a bombing incident in December 2024. Following the attack, they were trapped under debris for over an hour before being rescued. The lack of adequate medical facilities in Gaza led to their evacuation to Jordan in June. In Amman, Sarraa underwent plastic surgery on her forehead and eye, while Sara, who was initially paralyzed, regained some upper body movement and can now use a wheelchair.

Dr. Osama Hamed, a surgeon who has been providing medical assistance in Gaza, described the dire healthcare situation in the region, highlighting the scarcity of resources and the inability to treat all patients effectively. He emphasized the critical need for medical supplies and support to address the ongoing crisis.

Regarding the healthcare system in Gaza, Ms. Cooper emphasized the UK’s commitment to rebuilding and enhancing medical services in the region. She mentioned ongoing discussions with various countries, including Saudi Arabia and Germany, to explore ways to improve healthcare support in Gaza. Additionally, the UK is prepared to facilitate further medical evacuations for treatment in the National Health Service (NHS) and continues to advocate for the restoration of Gaza’s health services.