Two children from Gaza suffering from cancer will arrive in the Netherlands for treatment
Two critically ill children from Gaza are scheduled to arrive in the Netherlands this week for cancer treatment at the Princess Máxima Center in Utrecht, the country's leading hospital for treating childhood cancers. The hospital has confirmed that preparations have been completed to receive the children and start treatment upon their arrival.
A spokesperson for the Princess Máxima Center told RTL: "We are able to provide the urgent treatment they need," emphasizing that "any delay in cancer treatment carries enormous risks."
The two children and their family members were granted special visas allowing them to stay in the Netherlands for medical treatment, and suitable accommodation was provided for both families near the hospital throughout the treatment period.
The outgoing Dutch government announced earlier this month that a small number of seriously ill children from Gaza would be allowed to come to the Netherlands at the end of October or the beginning of November.
This decision represents a clear shift in government policy. Last summer, the parliament narrowly rejected a proposal to bring sick children from Gaza to the Netherlands. At that time, Prime Minister Dick Schoof and VVD party leader Dilan Yesilgöz argued that it was better to treat them close to their homes. However, the new decision reflects rising humanitarian concerns amid the deteriorating situation in Gaza.