Belgian Red Cross-Flanders Prepares to receive medical evacuations and Belgians from Gaza Strip

Belgian Red Cross-Flanders is preparing to receive Belgians and persons medically evacuated from the Gaza Strip. Once the cease-fire takes effect, Belgians in the conflict zone who have been detained in recent months are expected to be recalled. Jurgen Vandebroek manager Intervention at Belgian Red Cross-Flanders: "Given the dramatic medical situation in the Gaza Strip, we also expect a worldwide call for medical evacuations. We are doing everything we can to be ready when that demand comes."

Belgian Red Cross-Flanders often plays a crucial role in the return of Belgians from conflict or disaster zones. In humanitarian crises, the federal government or B-FAST regularly engages the Red Cross to receive Belgians repatriated from the region. This includes initial psychosocial reception, logistical support and transport to reception sites or medical institutions for further care. 

"As soon as the signal comes that Belgians will be recalled from the conflict zone or medical evacuations will land, we get ready to receive the people immediately after landing," says Jurgen Vandebroek. "We deploy several teams of volunteers for this purpose, who are specially trained for this type of situation. We currently have everything ready to be on standby when the call comes in. With a team of dozens of volunteers, we can even respond to last-minute requests, regardless of the time of day. We provide initial psychosocial assistance, shelter and registration of persons from disaster areas. We often shelter people who have been through traumatic experiences. A warm welcome then can make a world of difference."

182 people in 2024

In 2024, Belgian Red Cross-Flanders supported the repatriation, assisted return and medical evacuations of 182 people, with the help of volunteers. Given the immense humanitarian need in Gaza, this number is expected to increase significantly in the coming period.