In a compassionate response to the humanitarian crisis resulting from the Israel-Hamas conflict, Italy has launched an international rescue operation to provide medical assistance to sick and injured children from Gaza. The initiative, spearheaded by Father Ibrahim Faltas, the Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, has received crucial support from Italy.

On a specially arranged flight, the first group of 11 seriously ill or injured children, along with a young man just over 18 years old, arrived in Italy. The lack of adequate on-site treatment in Gaza necessitated their relocation to Italy, where they will be treated in some of the country's prominent pediatric hospitals.

Italy's commitment to this rescue operation marks it as the first European country to extend a helping hand to the victims of the Gaza conflict. General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo highlighted the collaborative effort between various ministries, mentioning the imminent departure of the hospital ship 'Vulcano' on January 31, carrying around fifty accompanied minors. The ship is expected to dock in a central port, depending on the locations of the designated hospitals.

Further initiatives are in the pipeline, including an airlift in February to transport additional children from Cairo to various Italian hospitals. The University of Perugia and San Marino's hospitals have also expressed their readiness to participate in this humanitarian effort.

Father Ibrahim Faltas, instrumental in coordinating the initiative, expressed his gratitude to the Italian people and emphasized the significance of Italy being the first European nation to host children from Gaza for essential medical treatment.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, confirmed the intensive diplomatic efforts with Israeli, Palestinian, and Egyptian authorities. He reiterated Italy's commitment to expressing solidarity with innocent victims of the conflict.

The Palestinian Ambassador to Italy, Abeer Odeh, conveyed heartfelt thanks for Italy's assistance and expressed hope for the reception of more children in need. The initiative, a collaborative endeavor, serves as a poignant symbol of peace amid ongoing challenges in the region.