Germany Hesitant to Shelter Traumatized Gaza Children
(MENAFN) The German federal government expressed restraint Monday regarding initiatives by Hanover and Dusseldorf to provide refuge for children traumatized by the ongoing war in Gaza.
Interior Ministry spokesperson Lars Harmsen emphasized that such efforts hinge on several complex conditions. “The feasibility of such initiatives depends crucially on the security situation, the possibility of leaving the country, and further factors,” he stated during a press conference.
He added that while “concrete projects are currently being developed with the responsible partners,” current priorities remain on “expanding medical assistance locally and regionally.”
Last week, the cities of Hanover and Dusseldorf declared their intent to receive especially vulnerable or traumatized children from both the Gaza Strip and Israel. Hanover, in particular, proposed accommodating up to 20 seriously ill children.
However, city officials acknowledged that implementing this plan would necessitate active political backing from the federal government—particularly concerning immigration protocols, child selection, and medical logistics.
Despite the cities’ announcements, Harmsen clarified that there has been “no request” from any German municipality seeking formal approval to receive children from Gaza.
Earlier on Monday, Chancellery Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei stressed the importance of providing immediate assistance in the region itself. In an interview with media, he said the priority should be “to help as many people as possible.”
“And that's why I would always be cautious about the question of the extent to which one can fly abroad. That would always only concern individual people, and many other questions would have to be clarified," he added.
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Sunday delivered a stark assessment of conditions in Gaza, citing the dire humanitarian toll of Israel’s blockade.
“We have long observed that Israel’s de facto blockade of the Gaza Strip is causing famine, leading to people dying, suffering, and being left without water,” Wadephul told media, following his visit to Israel and Palestine.
He said he had conveyed a direct message to Israeli officials, urging them to enact substantial changes in Gaza. “I hope that message has been heard. I have the impression that it has,” he remarked.
Wadephul cautioned that Israel risks deepening its international isolation if it fails to respond to mounting global alarm over its actions in Gaza.
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