Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support the World Health Organization evacuate women and children from Gaza to Europe for medical treatment; and whether any of the patients being evacuated will be treated in the UK.

The plight of sick and injured people in Gaza is deeply distressing. We urge Israel to open safe, regular routes for those requiring medical evacuation. The UK is supporting the provision of essential healthcare to Palestinian civilians, including through field hospitals operated by UK-Med in Gaza, and through the World Health Organization in Egypt to support medically evacuated Palestinians.

There are provisions that allow Palestinians to come to the UK for Private Medical Treatment under the Immigration Rules. Where a relevant application is made consideration will be given to exceptional circumstances, compelling or compassionate grounds. We are keeping all existing visa pathways under review.