Sweden, Finland Decline to Take in Gaza Injuries

Sweden and Finland have both declined a European Union request to admit injured civilians from Gaza for treatment in their hospitals. 

Finnish authorities stated that their humanitarian aid efforts are focused exclusively on Ukraine due to limited resources.

According to Finnish media reports, the request was sent to Helsinki and other European countries in May this year, but Finland has yet to respond officially, signaling an unwillingness to participate.

Officials from Finland’s Ministry of Welfare confirmed that the country lacks the resources necessary to facilitate the transfer of injured individuals from Gaza. They emphasized that Finland’s priority is supporting Ukraine in its ongoing crisis.

Similarly, the Swedish government also decided not to comply with the EU's request to take in Gazan casualties.

While some hospitals in Sweden expressed a willingness to admit injured Palestinians without disrupting care for other patients, the Swedish government cited high costs as the reason for its refusal.

Despite turning down the request, both Finland and Sweden indicated that they are assisting Palestinians through other means.