Four Palestinian children arrived in Dublin on Monday, May 5 to receive healthcare treatment in Ireland.
The four children who arrived via Dublin Airport yesterday were accompanied by immediate family members, two doctors and two nurses from Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), three Irish Red Cross case workers, and a translator.
The group traveled from Egypt on a plane provided by the Norwegian government for the medical evacuation.
They were welcomed to Ireland by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Ambassador of Egypt Mohamed Sarwat Selim, and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the State of Palestine Mr. Baker M.B. Hijazi.
The group is being settled into their accommodation and will have a full medical assessment over the coming week.
Our Airport Police team were on hand yesterday to help with the arrival of injured children from Gaza, arriving in Ireland to receive medical treatment. pic.twitter.com/3wUGRN8On2
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) May 6, 2025
Last night's arrival comes after Ireland received its first such group in December.
Government approval was secured in September 2024 for Ireland to evacuate a number of sick children from Gaza for treatment and care, following an appeal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to address the current health needs of people from Gaza.
Doctors from CHI worked with the WHO to identify sick and injured children who would benefit from treatment in Ireland.
In a statement on Tuesday, Ireland's Department of Health and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the most recent operation was made possible "through seamless cooperation with the Egyptian government, whose Ministry of Health and Population led the coordination, working closely with the World Health Organisation which coordinated the evacuation of patients from Gaza to Egypt."
The Departments said the Irish team partnered with Italian colleagues, "who generously provided access to the Umberto Primo Hospital in Cairo for patient assessments."
The EU’s Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) further facilitated the transfer of patients from Egypt to Ireland, in partnership with the Government of Norway.
In addition, the Embassy of Ireland in Cairo also assisted the medical evacuation, including with logistics and assistance with clearance of identity documents.
Ireland's Department of Justice coordinated visa requirements for the children and their carers and families, while the Department of Social Protection is involved in access to welfare and other supports.
Under the initiative, the children and their families are housed in accommodation managed by the Irish Red Cross. The care package being provided includes caseworker and translation services to ensure that the patients and their carers are well looked after and have assistance in accessing all services as needed.
Ireland's Health Service Executive (HSE) is acting in a central coordination role across all required services/service providers from the patients’ arrival to receiving treatment. In addition, the HSE will provide appropriate psycho-social assessment for both patients and carers.
All patients and carers received health screening prior to travel.
It is estimated that Ireland will receive up to 30 pediatric patients in total from Gaza. The Departments said on Tuesday that Ireland will continue to opt in on a case-by-case basis for each child who requires treatment, subject to the necessary capacity being available at that time.
On Tuesday, Ireland's Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris said he was delighted that the second group had arrived in Ireland to "access urgent medical care."
He added: “While this is positive news, we must keep our focus on the urgent need to stop the conflict. Gaza has received no humanitarian or commercial supplies for many weeks as a result of the Israeli blockade. The resumption of hostilities has been disastrous, and I urge the parties to return to talks to ensure an immediate ceasefire, allow for unimpeded access of humanitarian aid and the release of all hostages.”
Ireland's Minister for Health Jennifer Carol MacNeill also said she was pleased that the operation was successful, and thanked all those who were invovled.
She added: “There is no justification for the deliberate attacks on civilians and healthcare services in Gaza and the loss of life has been devastating. Ireland has been clear that this conflict should stop. I’m pleased that Ireland is playing a part in treating children whose lives have been devastated by this needless war, and I wish these children well in their time ahead here in Ireland.”
Dr. Ciaran Browne, HSE National Medical Evacuation Coordinator, said that children have already begun treatment, adding, "We know the care they will receive at Children’s Health Ireland will make a big difference."
Niall O’Keeffe, Head of International and Migration, Irish Red Cross, said that the situation for children in Gaza is dire, especially so for those with medical needs.
"The immediate humanitarian supports that the Irish Red Cross will provide will focus on the practical needs of the children and families, including accommodation, transport to medical appointments and other assistance," he said,
"We have a dedicated team of Arabic-speaking caseworkers who will work closely with them to help them to navigate life in Ireland and access the supports they may need."
He added: “We walk with people from crisis to stability, helping them rebuild their lives. We couldn’t do this without the generosity of the public and our incredible volunteers who give selflessly of their time to organise welcome packs and to drive people to hospital appointments.
“We cannot begin to comprehend the deeply traumatic experiences that these children and their families have lived through.
"We hope the globally recognised symbol of the Red Cross provides them with comfort and reassurance on their arrival into Ireland.”
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