By Frans Timmermans
In Gaza, children are fighting for their lives. Horribly injured or seriously ill, without access to the help they so desperately need. Medical care has virtually come to a standstill due to the bombings. For many of these children, treatment abroad is their only chance of survival.
Dozens of countries are already providing assistance: the vast majority of children are being accommodated in the region, but countries like Belgium, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Romania, and France are also opening their hospitals. But the Netherlands refuses. So far, our country has taken in zero (!) children.
I find that terrible and unacceptable. Especially since Dutch hospitals, aid organizations, and municipalities have already offered to help. The willingness in our country is there, but the cabinet keeps the door closed.
The social majority in the Netherlands wants something to happen now. From left to right, young to old, regardless of political color or background. I hear it everywhere: it concerns children who urgently need medical care and cannot find help anywhere. As a parent and grandparent, this deeply affects me. We cannot leave these children to their fate, can we?
That is why I hope that you will join us. Sign now, and share the petition with your friends, family, and colleagues. Because the more people sign, the more pressure we put on the cabinet to show humanity. To take action and give these children a chance to survive.
Together, we can ensure that the Netherlands joins the countries that save lives.
Thank you,
Frans Timmermans
Party leader and candidate for GroenLinks-PvdA
