ROME: Italy will provide medical treatment to 100 Palestinian children from Gaza, transporting them by plane and ship in an operation to be commenced in the coming days, said Defense Minister Guido Crosetto on Wednesday.
The first group of 30 children, who sought refuge and medical aid in Egypt following the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, will be flown to Italy, said Crosetto.
Another 30, along with their families, will be transported by the military vessel Vulcano from the Egyptian port of Al-Arish by the end of January. The details of transporting the remaining 40 children have not been clarified.
Italy’s decision to provide hospital treatment stems from a recognition of the severe humanitarian crisis, stated Crosetto, emphasizing that it is more a moral duty than a political one. The designated hospitals for the children’s treatment are located in Bologna, Florence, Genoa, and Rome.
Despite avoiding criticism of the Israeli government, Italy is now taking steps to address the humanitarian needs arising from the conflict.
Crosetto highlighted that the transfer of the children would be coordinated from Al-Arish, serving as an international hub for humanitarian aid.
Moreover, a French warship turned field hospital off the coast of Egypt has treated approximately 1,000 people from Gaza, according to its captain’s statement on Sunday.
According to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, the death toll from ongoing relentless Israeli military bombardment has surpassed 24,700 mostly women and children, since October 7.
The ministry in the statement said at least 210 people have been killed and 386 injured in the past 24 hours. It further said that 61,830 people have also been injured in the Palestinian territory during the war.
