There is growing cross-party political support for a humanitarian initiative to bring injured children from Gaza to Northern Ireland to receive urgent medical treatment.

The move was welcomed in separate statements from the Alliance Party and Sinn Féin, with the latter confirming the Northern Executive has agreed to participate.

Paula Bradshaw MLA, the Alliance Party's Executive Office spokesperson, said: "We have all watched with horror the severe injuries being inflicted on the children in Gaza and the chronic lack of medical supplies and personnel to treat them. So, this progress on enabling some of these children to come to Northern Ireland to avail of healthcare is very much welcomed." She added that it is "the very least we can do in such horrendous circumstances."

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney, the party's chairperson, said the Northern Executive should play its part in assisting sick and injured children from Gaza. He described the humanitarian emergency as being "beyond anything witnessed in recent times" and said he understands the First Minister has agreed to an urgent procedure request from the Health Minister to participate in the humanitarian effort.

Kearney, the South Antrim MLA, also stated that the "inhumane blockade must end immediately" and that an "unprecedented flood of humanitarian aid must be allowed to enter the Strip." He concluded by calling for the "siege of Gaza to end now."