Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper recently visited courageous young individuals who were brought out of Gaza for urgent medical treatment.
Among them is 8-year-old Mohammed, who lost a leg due to an explosion near his residence in Khan Younis. After receiving initial care in Gaza, he was transferred to Amman, Jordan, where he underwent treatment and was equipped with a prosthetic leg. With determination, Mohammed learned to walk again over three months and demonstrated his newfound ability to Ms. Cooper during her visit to the Specialty Hospital in Amman.
Expressing admiration for Mohammed’s bravery, Ms. Cooper encouraged his aspiration to become a policeman like his father. The young boy, now engaged in online studies, including English, Arabic, and Math, along with fervently following his favorite football team, Real Madrid.
During her visit, the Foreign Secretary also conversed with sisters Sarraa, 17, and Sara, 15, who endured severe injuries from a bomb blast that struck their home while they were asleep in December 2024. The siblings faced challenging circumstances in Gaza before being evacuated to Jordan for medical attention.
Sarraa underwent plastic surgery on her forehead and eye, along with additional procedures on her leg. Sara, previously paralyzed, has regained partial use of her upper body and can now move using a wheelchair. Dr. Osama Hamed, a surgeon, recounted the dire healthcare situation in Gaza, emphasizing the devastating impact on medical resources and the healthcare system.
Ms. Cooper affirmed the UK’s commitment to aiding in the reconstruction of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. She highlighted the readiness to assist more patients evacuated for NHS treatment and collaborate with international partners to enhance healthcare services in Gaza. The UK stands prepared to continue supporting medical evacuation efforts and contribute to the restoration of Gaza’s health services.