Groningen Wants to Treat Sick and Injured Gaza Children
The city backs Amsterdam’s call and UMCG says it is ready to help, but care can start only if the cabinet authorises medical evacuations and visas.
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Groningen will support the reception of seriously ill and injured children from Gaza for treatment in the Netherlands. Mayor Roelien Kamminga told the city council the municipality is prepared to help and has already consulted the UMCG, which says it is ready if asked.
National green light still needed
Cities cannot bring patients on their own; the cabinet must approve medical evacuations and visas. Amsterdam formally asked the government last week to allow the intake of Gazan children, but this follows a recent vote in the House of Representatives rejecting a motion to organise temporary medical evacuations to the Netherlands.
Hospitals willing, system uncertain
UMCG has publicly urged the government to allow treatment of children from Gaza, and Amsterdam UMC has done the same. In Utrecht, the Prinses Máxima Centrum says it can help but notes that there are legal and funding hurdles that require national decisions.
Medical need is acute: the WHO estimates the vast majority of Gaza’s hospitals have been damaged, with around half out of service; one reason Dutch university hospitals argue for admitting urgent cases.
Groningen says it’s ready to receive children if the Hague authorises evacuations. Until then, municipalities and hospitals are coordinating plans so treatment can start quickly if permission comes.
