LONDON: The UK’s Prince William was “moved by the courage” of Palestinian children evacuated from Gaza after visiting them in hospital.
The first group of severely ill children from the war-torn enclave were evacuated to the UK in September for treatment as part of a government humanitarian mission.
Now, more than 50 children are receiving treatment in Britain, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.
The prince had previously met Palestinian children in 2018 during a visit to the Jalazone refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. While there, he also met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace said of the hospital visit: “The prince wished to offer a moment of comfort to these young people who have endured experiences no child should ever face.
“The prince was also able to offer his heartfelt gratitude to the NHS (National Health Service) teams providing exceptional care during such a profoundly difficult time.
“His royal highness was moved by the courage shown by the children and their families and by the dedication of the team who are supporting them with such professionalism and humanity.”
Last month, he unveiled a global memorial for aid workers in London’s Gunnersbury Park, and delivered a speech on humanitarian values.
“We are witnesses to the appalling suffering of those who are victims of war and violence; from Ukraine to Sudan, from Myanmar to Haiti and, indeed, throughout much of the Middle East. And, alas, in so many other places,” he said at the time.
“Yet, the presence of humanitarian aid workers, like those in Gaza, runs like a thread of shared humanity through even the grimmest of environments.”
The hospital visit is part of the prince’s vision to promote “more empathetic leadership around the world,” the BBC reported.
A government spokesperson said on Saturday: “The government worked with partners to carry out medical evacuations from Gaza to the UK over the autumn. We stand ready to continue to provide health-related support to the people of Gaza.”
