Latest news with #medical evacuation
Arab News
4 days ago
- Health
- Arab News
UK govt facing legal action over refusal to evacuate sick children from Gaza
LONDON: The UK government is facing a legal challenge over its decision not to medically evacuate critically ill Palestinian children from Gaza, amid mounting pressure from campaigners and humanitarian groups, it was reported on Saturday. According to a report by The Guardian, the legal action, which has been brought by law firm Leigh Day on behalf of three young children, will argue that British ministers have failed to account for the dire lack of medical options in Gaza, where thousands remain in urgent need of life-saving treatment. The UK government has already supported healthcare for over half a million people in the Palestinian territories, including through field hospitals and medical supplies, and has facilitated access to the UK for some children through privately funded initiatives. However, the claimants argue that current arrangements fall short of addressing the humanitarian emergency. 'The UK government has explained its failure to facilitate medical evacuations from Gaza on the basis that it supports treatment options in Gaza and the surrounding region and that there are visas available for privately funded medical treatment in the UK. However, these mechanisms are profoundly inadequate to meet the urgent needs of children in Gaza,' said Carolin Ott, the Leigh Day lawyer leading the legal action. The case has been filed against both the Foreign Office and the Home Office, and revolves around three children, one aged two, and two siblings aged five, who require urgent medical attention unavailable in Gaza. The two-year-old, referred to as Child Y, suffers from an arteriovenous malformation in his cheek, which causes daily bleeding and has left him in critical condition. The other two children, both known as Child S, have the chronic kidney condition cystinosis nephropathy that has already led to kidney failure. One of the siblings can no longer walk, according to The Guardian report. Campaigners say the UK's current approach contrasts strongly with its actions in other conflicts, notably its evacuation of children during the Bosnian war and, more recently, from Ukraine. The government, however, points to its ongoing humanitarian contributions, including a £7.5 million ($10 million) medical support package announced in May, as well as its support for Project Pure Hope, a UK-based initiative that successfully arranged for two children from Gaza to receive treatment in Britain earlier this year. 'We have helped several children with complex paediatric conditions access privately funded medical care in the UK, supporting an initiative by Project Pure Hope,' a government spokesperson said. Legal documents submitted as part of the action reportedly indicate that Project Pure Hope requested the establishment of a UK-funded evacuation route from Gaza for medical cases, but that request was declined. A spokesperson for the government added: 'We have been clear the situation in Gaza is intolerable and that there must be an immediate ceasefire. We urge Israel to let vital humanitarian aid in and allow Gazans to receive urgent healthcare, including allowing the sick and wounded to temporarily leave the Gaza Strip to receive treatment.' According to health officials in Gaza, more than 17,000 of the 58,000 Palestinians killed since Oct. 7, 2023, have been children. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 12,500 patients in Gaza require evacuation for treatment. As of April 10, over 7,200 patients had been moved out of the territory to destinations including Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, the EU, and the US. Nearly 5,000 of those evacuated were children. Dr. Hani Isleem, project coordinator for Medecins Sans Frontieres, which has helped evacuate 22 patients, said that international reluctance to do more remained a serious obstacle. 'Some countries are reluctant to take in patients, fearing they might be perceived as facilitating 'forced migration' or as taking on the burden of the patients' extended stay,' he said. The UK government has until July 28 to respond to the legal pre-action letter, The Guardian's report added.
The Independent
15-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
Southend Airport plane crash latest: No survivors in explosion that killed flight nurse on first day of new job
A Chilean-born nurse has been named as among the four people who were killed in a plane crash at London Southend Airport. Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, a German citizen born in Chile, was reportedly on her first day as a flight nurse on board the small aircraft when it came down after take-off on Sunday afternoon. A Dutch pilot and co-pilot, along with one other person, were also on the Beech B200 Super King Air, operated by Zeusch Aviation, which specialises in medical evacuations. A friend of Ms Ortiz, called Anna Smith, told the BBC it had been her first day as a flight nurse, having previously worked as a nurse in the public sector. 'She was so excited for this new job,' she said. She added: "She had a giving heart and was humble, and chose a profession that reflected that. It is understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend, and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has started an investigation with inspectors with expertise in aircraft operations, human factors, engineering and recorded data already dispatched to the crash site. The airport remains closed. Nurse killed in plane crash was on her first day, according to reports Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, 31, is thought to have been on the medical plane when it crashed at Southend Airport. The Mirror reported that it was her first day working aboard the plane. A friend told the Mirror: "It was her first day on the job. She was a hospital nurse but then took a job with a private medical firm, she didn't tell anyone, but this was her first day in the job.' The friend added her wife can barely speak because she is so distraught. A Gofundme has also been set up to raise cash for Maria's family. Rebecca Whittaker15 July 2025 05:00 No survivors in plane crash, says Zeusch Aviation Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, said in a statement on Monday: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm there were no survivors among the people on board flight SUZ1. "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. 'Zeusch Aviation continues to fully cooperate with the relevant investigative authorities and is providing all possible support to those affected." Namita Singh15 July 2025 04:31 Four foreign nationals die in Southend Airport Plane crash Four foreign nationals died on board a plane that crashed after taking off from London Southend Airport, Essex Police said. The medical transport plane bound for the Netherlands crashed at around 3.48pm on Sunday. Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board, according to a document which lists passengers, the PA news agency understands. It is also understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands. Namita Singh15 July 2025 04:30 Beechcraft King Air B200 costs up to £1.5mn The plane involved in the incident, Beechcraft King Air B200, costs up to £1.47million, according to sales listings online. A listing for the aircraft says it can carry 6 passengers and two cabin crew. The length of the cabin is nearly 17ft, according to the listing. The aircraft cruises at about 285 miles per hour, which is around 290 knots in airspeed. Rebecca Whittaker15 July 2025 04:00 Simon Calder answers your air travel safety questions – from Boeing worries to the truth about budget airlines Simon Calder on air travel safety – from Boeing to budget airlines Travel expert Simon Calder answered readers' questions on flight safety – from how crashes like Southend and the Air India disaster are investigated to what passengers can do to stay safe Rebecca Whittaker15 July 2025 03:00 'Her charisma, love, humour, and kindness will remain alive in our memories' The family of Chilean nurse María Fernanda Rojas Ortíz have shared a tribute following her death. "It is with deep sorrow that we report the tragic passing of our beloved , who passed away today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a plane crash in London," the statement shared by Chilean news site T13 reads. The translated message added: "the news of her passing is immensely difficult to accept; she was a person who marked the passing of those of us who knew her." "Her charisma, love, humour, and kindness, which characterised her as a person, will remain alive in our memories and in our hearts forever," they added. Rebecca Whittaker15 July 2025 02:00 Watch: Police believe all four on board Southend plane were foreign nationals Rebecca Whittaker15 July 2025 01:00 Watch: Flight tracker shows moment Southend plane crashed shortly after takeoff Rebecca Whittaker15 July 2025 00:30 A fundraiser has been set up to raise money for Maria's family A Gofundme page has been set up to help raise cash for the family of Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz- a Chilean nurse who died in the crash. The fundraiser has been set up to raise 7,500 euros for her family. On the fundraiser set up by Julia Esteban it says translated from Spanish: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of our beloved Feña, in a tragic accident that is still under investigation by the authorities. 'We know that the pain is immense and shared by the many people who loved her and supported her at different stages of her life. 'In the midst of this difficult time, we want to organize ourselves to support her family. This process entails many unexpected expenses—transfers, paperwork, possible travel, and everything necessary to give her a proper send-off. 'We're starting this charity fundraiser among friends, colleagues, and those close to Feña. 'The idea is to raise funds that will then be donated directly to her family, so they can use them for whatever they deem most necessary. 'We will be fully transparent in our reporting of the contributions received and, if the family allows it, how the funds were used. 'Thank you so much for being here, for the love, for the support, and for everything each of you has done during these difficult days. 'We embrace everyone who loved us and we'll stay in touch to support each other and stay organized. 'We love you Feña.' What we know about the victims as four deaths confirmed Four foreign nationals died after a 12-metre-long aircraft crashed "head first into the ground" shortly after take-off from London Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon. Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board, according to a document which lists passengers. It is also understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands. Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, a German citizen born in Chile was one of four killed in the plane crash. It's been reported that it was Maria's first day working aboard the plane. However, the names of the four who died have not yet been officially released.
