Pope Francis's popemobile has become a mobile clinic for the children of Gaza.

BarcelonaBefore he died, Pope Francis made one last gesture towards the Palestinians: he stipulated in his will The Popemobile, the electric vehicle he used to greet crowds around the world, was transformed into a mobile clinic for the children of Gaza. Today, that same vehicle, which the pontiff used during his visit to Bethlehem in 2014, has been converted into a mobile health unit that Christian leaders hope will soon be able to serve in the Gaza Strip.

"We are pleased to be able to make an important contribution to the healthcare of children in Gaza," said Caritas Secretary General Alistair Dutton at a press conference in Bethlehem, West Bank. For his part, Caritas Sweden Secretary General Peter Brune stated that the new mobile clinic can treat up to 200 children a day. The initiative, blessed by Pope Francis himself before his death, was entrusted to the Catholic organization Caritas to oversee the vehicle conversion project.

Despite being ready to operate, the mobile clinic has not yet been able to enter Gaza because Israeli authorities have not given their approval. The ceasefire remains in effect on paper, but the territory continues to suffer Israeli bombardments and Israel continues to block humanitarian aid."Its entry into Gaza is currently being negotiated. The idea is for it to join the other ten mobile clinics that Caritas already has in the Strip, many of which have been damaged during the two years of war. Its work will be coordinated with these clinics to determine where it will be most useful," Dut added. The Israeli agency COGAT, responsible for coordinating the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave, made no comment on the transfer.

The vehicle, known as the Vehicle of Hope, is a Mitsubishi pickup truck adapted and donated in 2014 by the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, which has been completely remodeled. The rear platform, formerly open and from which the Pope greeted the faithful during his journeys, has been enclosed and converted into a pediatric treatment room. The clinic will offer rapid testing. kits It includes sutures, syringes, oxygen supplies, vaccines, and a small refrigerator for storing medications. Up to four medical personnel can work simultaneously in the vehicle.

According to UNICEF, at least 67 children have died in incidents related to Israel's genocidal offensive since it began. the ceasefire will come into effectOn January 15, according to the Gaza government, Israel has killed more than 20,000 children in the Strip since the war began.