Luxembourg's authorities have reported that two patients arrived in the Grand Duchy from Gaza, as part of a medical evacuation, on Thursday 10 April 2025.
The Ministry of Health and Social Security, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, the Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) noted that, in response to a joint request from the European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management and the European Commissioner for Health, Luxembourg is participating in the European MEDEVAC medical evacuation programme for injured or sick people from the Gaza Strip. This operation is part of a call for assistance issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
Based on the information presented by Luxembourg's Minister of Health and Social Security, Martine Deprez, and the Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Xavier Bettel, the Government Council (Cabinet) agreed to admit two patients, each accompanied by a family member.
Following an evacuation from the Gaza Strip via Eilat-Ramon International Airport to Bucharest, operated by the Romanian authorities, Luxembourg Air Ambulance ensured the transfer of the patients to Luxembourg on Thursday, using flight hours dedicated to MEDEVAC by the emergency.lu system.
Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and Social Security has been ensuring the overall coordination of the operation, in close consultation with the WHO and the Luxembourg hospitals involved. Upon arrival, the patients received treatment from the CGDIS teams who provided medical transport.
The Foreign Ministry's Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs is tasked with funding housing and psychosocial support through a project implemented by the Luxembourg Red Cross. It is also organising logistical aspects in conjunction with Luxembourg Air Ambulance, in close collaboration with the CGDIS, the government's focal point within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Martine Deprez stated: "Behind every evacuation, there is a human reality. In an effort of solidarity, Luxembourg is making its contribution by welcoming patients whose health has been jeopardised by the crisis. Providing them with access to care means granting them a moment of respite and dignity, in keeping with the humanitarian values that unite us."
Luxembourg's authorities said that, through this approach, the country was reaffirming its commitment to the European values of solidarity, human dignity and assistance to the most vulnerable, while respecting structured coordination between national, European and international stakeholders.
