Key Facts

• Two Palestinian girls, Ghena, 5, and Rama, 12, have arrived in the UK from Gaza to receive medical treatment.
• This is the first time Gazan children have been granted temporary UK visas for medical treatment since the outbreak of war between Hamas and Israel in October 2023.
• The girls suffer from pre-existing conditions requiring specialist care, which is currently unavailable in Gaza due to the ongoing war.
• Ghena's condition involves fluid pressing against her optic nerve, potentially leading to loss of sight in her left eye without surgery.
• Rama suffers from a serious, lifelong bowel condition that needs specialist treatment.
• The girls' stay and medical treatment in the UK are facilitated by non-governmental organizations (explained as non-profit groups), Project Pure Hope (PPH), and the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF) in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO).
• According to PCRF, around 200 children have been relocated for medical treatment through this initiative to several countries, including the US, Jordan, Qatar, and other European countries.
• The war in Gaza began with an Israeli military campaign launched during October 2023 and has since resulted in heavy casualties.