Palestinian hunger strikers hospitalized in Brussels as protest continues

Two Palestinian men on hunger strike at the Beguinage Church in central Brussels have been hospitalized as their protest enters its second week, with activists demanding the evacuation of family members stranded in Gaza, Anadolu reports.

One of the men was admitted to the hospital Wednesday, while a second fell ill Friday.

Both were taken by ambulance to Sint-Jans Hospital, where they remain, according to Ismael Najar, who is also taking part in the hunger strike.

“The situation of the two individuals is currently unstable,” Najar told Belgian news portal BRUZZ.

He added that the man admitted Friday is suffering from gastrointestinal complaints and that it remains unclear when he will return to the church.

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Five people have been on hunger strike for two weeks, seeking the evacuation of their wives and children from Gaza. The families have reportedly been stranded in Gaza since the beginning of the war, despite having received Belgian family reunification visas last year.

According to the activists, around 1,500 Palestinians in Gaza who hold Belgian visas remain unable to leave because the borders are closed.

The protesters are calling on the Belgian government to evacuate their children to a safe location, such as Egypt or Jordan, citing conditions in Gaza including bombardment and lack of food and access to education.

The activists say they do not intend to call off the hunger strike, despite growing exhaustion.

Belgian Minister Van Bossuyt said she sympathizes “with the heartbreaking situation in which those involved find themselves,” but added that “hunger strikes can never be a means to force the government to make certain decisions.”

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