Amsterdam requests government to accept sick and injured children from Gaza
The city of Amsterdam has formally requested that the Dutch government allow the reception of severely sick and injured children from Gaza, citing humanitarian responsibility, Mayor Femke Halsema said in a response to questions from the city council, according to NOS.
“Due to the lack of medical care in Gaza, Amsterdam UMC considers it necessary to provide care for sick and injured children in Amsterdam,” Halsema wrote.
The request comes despite the cabinet rejecting such a plan last month and the Tweede Kamer rejecting a motion with the same goal just last week.
Halsema said Amsterdam is taking action in coordination with the Association of Dutch Municipalities to explore whether other cities are willing to participate. In Utrecht, a majority in the municipal council supports joining the effort.
The mayor also stated that Amsterdam has contacted other European cities to discuss potential collaboration in evacuating and caring for injured Palestinians, with a particular focus on children.
