Romania Supports the Civilian Population in the Gaza Strip through a New Medical Evacuation Operation
Bucharest, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), in close cooperation with the Ministry of National Defense (MoND), the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA), as well as other Romanian state institutions and in coordination with dedicated structures of the European Commission, participated on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in a new emergency medical evacuation operation from the Gaza Strip.
This transport, the eighth humanitarian flight organized by Romania from Gaza, included 12 pediatric patients severely affected by the lack of access to adequate medical treatment, accompanied by 36 family members.
The operation was carried out with the involvement of the MFA, with support from the Embassy of Romania in Tel Aviv, the Romanian Representative Office in Ramallah, the MoND, the MoIA – Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), the Ministry of Health, and non-governmental organizations in Romania. These entities worked together to ensure the reception, air transport to Romania via the Romanian Air Force, and provision of adequate care throughout the journey.
Given the difficult humanitarian and medical situation in the Gaza Strip and the severe restrictions on access to healthcare caused by the ongoing military conflict, Romania offered its assistance to vulnerable patients from the Palestinian enclave.
The mission followed the route Otopeni – Ramon Airport (Eilat), Israel – Otopeni, using a Hercules C130 aircraft of the Romanian Air Force, as part of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. On board was also a medical team composed of specialists from SMURD and military medical personnel from the MoND.
Upon arrival in Bucharest, of the individuals evacuated from the Gaza Strip, 4 patients and 6 of their family members will be transferred to France.
The remaining 8 patients, along with 30 family members, will receive specialized treatment in hospitals in Norway, where they will be transported by an aircraft provided by Slovakia.
The operation was financially and operationally supported through the European Commission’s Civil Protection Mechanism, in close coordination with the World Health Organization and the relevant Israeli authorities.
The MFA emphasizes that Romania will continue to contribute to efforts aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, acting in close coordination with its international partners. At the same time, the MFA, together with its EU and regional partners, is closely monitoring developments in Gaza and reiterates the urgent need for solutions that ensure the release of all hostages, a permanent ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the resumption of large-scale humanitarian assistance to affected populations.
Romania’s commitment to humanitarian action was also highlighted by Dr. Dan Stoenescu, Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan, who stated:
“Humanitarian aid is not just a gesture of compassion—it is a duty of solidarity. Romania stands by the civilians in need, wherever they are, and will continue to act responsibly and humanely in times of crisis.”
