William pays visit to severely ill children from Gaza
According to a Kensington Palace spokesperson, the Prince of Wales has visited a number of critically ill children from Gaza who are being treated by the NHS.
As part of a UK government humanitarian initiative, the NHS began providing specialist services to Gazan children in September. According to Department of Health and Social Care statistics, 50 children were receiving medical attention as of 21 November.
Prince William was "moved by the courage displayed by the children and their families," a Kensington Palace spokesperson said.
The first evacuations of sick children and their families from Gaza were announced in September. The identities of the evacuees have not been revealed.
"The government collaborated with partners to carry out medical evacuations from Gaza to the United Kingdom over the autumn," a government spokesperson said. "Patients and their immediate family members are now being treated in safe and welcoming environments."
Compassionate Leadership
In October, the Prince unveiled a global memorial to humanitarian aid workers, during which he delivered a speech on humanitarian values. Prince William's visit reveals a greater desire for him to establish what he has described as "more compassionate leadership around the world" regarding humanitarian issues.
"Change is on my agenda, change for good," he told host Eugene Levy in a recent episode of the documentary series The Reluctant Traveller. "Not overly radical change, but change that needs to happen."
Following his visit to the Gazan children, a Palace spokesperson said: "The Prince wanted to bring a moment of calm to these young people who have endured experiences that no child should ever face."
"During such a traumatic time, the Prince was also able to express his profound appreciation to the NHS teams for outstanding service. His Royal Highness was moved by the strength demonstrated by the children and their families, as well as the team's dedication to them with such professionalism and humanity."
Background
Israel initiated a military operation in Gaza after Hamas-led militants based in the Palestinian territory attacked Israel on 7 October, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
According to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, at least 7,100 people have been killed in Gaza since then. A ceasefire was called on 10 October.
