Swiss government coordinates with WHO to evacuate injured children despite ongoing conflict in Gaza

Switzerland has announced plans to take in about 20 injured children from the Gaza Strip for medical treatment, in a move that highlights both humanitarian urgency and logistical challenges amid the ongoing war.

Swiss Humanitarian Commitment

On September 26, 2025, the Swiss government confirmed it would admit around 20 children from Gaza suffering from war-related injuries for treatment in Swiss hospitals. The initiative reflects Switzerland’s humanitarian stance as the Gaza war nears its two-year mark, with no ceasefire in sight.

Coordination with WHO

The children will be selected in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO), which has registered about 19,000 patients for evacuation from Gaza, including 4,000 children with life-threatening conditions. Security checks will be conducted for both the children and their accompanying family members before departure.

Costs and Responsibilities

The Swiss government will cover transportation and coordination expenses, while medical costs will be voluntarily borne by participating cantons or hospitals. This approach ensures that treatment is provided without burdening the children’s families.

Asylum Process on Arrival

Upon arrival in Switzerland, the children and their families will undergo the asylum process, granting them with legal status during their medical stay. Officials noted that exact evacuation timelines remain uncertain due to unstable conditions on the ground in Gaza.

Gaza War Context

The war, which began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas militants attacked Israel, has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians according to local health authorities. Israel’s figures cite 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken during the initial assault. The prolonged conflict has severely strained Gaza’s healthcare system, making external evacuations critical.

Broader Humanitarian Need

While Switzerland’s gesture is significant, it represents only a fraction of the need. With thousands of children awaiting evacuation, international coordination and political will remain crucial in addressing the humanitarian crisis.

Switzerland’s decision to admit 20 Gazan children for medical treatment underscores the country’s humanitarian role in an ongoing conflict with devastating civilian consequences. For both Europe and the wider region, the move highlights the pressing need for broader international cooperation to safeguard vulnerable lives caught in war.

Sources: AsiaOne (2025) , Middle East Eye (2025)

Keywords: Switzerland Gaza, Injured Children, Medical Treatment, WHO Coordination, Humanitarian Aid, Asylum Process