08/03/2025August 3, 2025Germany says reviewing plans to allow cities to accept vulnerable children from Gaza and Israel
Thousands of children are admitted in Gaza’s remaining hospitals for treatment of acute malnutritionImage: UNRWA/IMAGO
The German Interior Ministry called for a cautious approach to allow cities to host particularly vulnerable or traumatized children from Gaza and Israel.
The cities of Düsseldorf and Hanover announced earlier in the week plans to do so, with the German Interior Ministry saying the feasibility of initiatives depends on several factors.
“The feasibility of such initiatives depends significantly on the security situation, the possibility of departure, and other factors,” a spokesman told dpa.
“The main focus is on expanding medical assistance on-site and in nearby regions,” he added, saying they were reviewing the situation.
Düsseldorf and Hanover say they are open to receiving most vulnerable children
Hanover announced on Thursday that it would receive up to 20 children, with the possibility of expanding the initiative. Mayor Belit Onay said other cities also expressed similar interest.
Düsseldorf’s plans, announced on Friday, are still in development. Officials in the western German city said they would begin examining practical options in the coming week.
Düsseldorf’s mayor, Stephan Keller, has expressed support for Hanover’s decision and said his city sought to replicate what he called a “strong and deeply humane gesture.”
“The feasibility of such initiatives depends significantly on the security situation, the possibility of departure, and other factors,” a spokesman told dpa.
“The main focus is on expanding medical assistance on-site and in nearby regions,” he added, saying they were reviewing the situation.