The Norwegian government announced on Friday that it will admit up to 15 new patients from Gaza for medical treatment, citing the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the besieged Palestinian territory, reported Xinhua.
"The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic," said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in a statement, "Therefore, the government has decided to receive up to 15 new patients as part of the EU-led medical evacuation scheme."
This latest decision comes on top of a previous commitment made in June 2024, when Norway agreed to take in up to 20 patients from Gaza for treatment in Norwegian specialist healthcare facilities. All of these patients have been successfully evacuated to Norway and are currently receiving medical care.
In total, Norway has so far received 62 individuals from Gaza, including patients and their accompanying family members, most of whom are children. The patients and their companions will be resettled in selected municipalities, which will work with health authorities to provide comprehensive, coordinated care and support.
Norway is participating in a European Union (EU) -coordinated initiative to evacuate wounded and critically ill patients from Gaza. Since the program began in the summer of 2024, a total of 206 patients and 450 accompanying persons have been evacuated from Gaza and Egypt to 13 European countries.
On the same day, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide condemned Israel's recent escalation in Gaza, stating: "Israel's intensification of military operations and the 11-week blockade following March 2 have created an inhumane situation for the Palestinian population. This ruthless treatment of civilians is deeply shocking, totally unacceptable, and must be condemned in the strongest terms."
He called on Israel to immediately grant full access to the United Nations and humanitarian agencies so that essential aid can reach all those in need.
- Norway
- To receive
- More patients
- Gaza
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
