Netherlands to admit critically ill Gaza children, sends €25 million in aid

The Dutch caretaker government will admit a "very limited" undisclosed number of children from Gaza in critical condition for treatment in the Netherlands while also committing 25 million euros for medical and humanitarian aid in the region, according to a letter sent to Tweede Kamer on Thursday. Nearly all of Gaza’s health system has collapsed, the ministers said.

Caretaker Foreign Minister David van Weel and State Secretary for Development Aid Aukje de Vries told the Tweede Kamer on Thursday that the children require “complex, highly specialized medical care” and are “in immediate life-threatening condition.” They warned the number of cases the Netherlands can accept will remain “very limited,” given domestic care capacity. Countries including Italy, Spain, and neighboring states have already taken in patients.

For weeks, caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Van Weel argued that care should stay in the region, even as the Socialist Party and other opposition lawmakers demanded the Netherlands admit sick children.

The Tweede Kamer narrowly rejected several motions, with PVV, VVD, BBB, FVD, SGP, and JA21 voting against them. The VVD shifted its position this week, just before its ministers announced the change.

Regarding the 25 million euro package, it is intended to fund treatment and medicines. The sum is also set to be used to support local hospitals, repair and restore water systems, and improve sanitation.

Van Weel and De Vries said the Dutch contribution will “immediately reach thousands of people” and provide “some breathing room for the health systems in Egypt and Jordan, which are under pressure from the influx of patients.”