Chilean Government Welcomes Gaza Refugees
The Chilean government recently reported the arrival of a group of 67 individuals with strong ties to Chile from the Gaza Strip over the weekend.
According to a brief statement from the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this move, which included 36 children and teenagers, reflects the nation’s commitment to international humanitarian law, facilitated by coordination with several international organizations.
The evacuation process began on September 10, involving both land and air transport, with support from consuls and diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs throughout the journey.
Upon their arrival in Chile, standard entry procedures were followed, activating the state’s protection systems as per international and legal obligations. To respect the privacy of the families, no further information regarding their stay will be disclosed.
President Gabriel Borik, from the far left, praised this announcement in a social media post, highlighting the danger the group faced due to ongoing violence.
In his post, he referenced Chile’s national anthem, mentioning, “Chile lives in the nation.”
Boric aligns with other Latin American leaders, such as Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, who have expressed concerns over Israel’s actions, especially following the attacks on October 7. They have characterized these actions as more than just self-defense against Hamas.
Earlier in June, during his presidency, Borik accused Israel of committing “ethnic cleansing” against Palestinians. He urged Chilean legislators to consider laws to boycott Israeli products, emphasizing that such measures are more about principle than trade.
Reports also indicated that Borik hesitated to engage with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio over Chile’s stance on Israel.
In June 2024, he planned for Chile to take part in addressing allegations against Israel’s actions at the International Court of Justice, a move criticized by the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, a global Jewish human rights group.
Borik’s anti-Israel sentiments date back to before his presidency in 2022. A notable incident occurred in October 2019 when he proposed that Jewish organizations should pressure Israel regarding occupied Palestinian territories after receiving a customary gift from the Jewish community.
The local Palestinian community in Chile viewed the arrival of those from Gaza as a significant humanitarian gesture and expressed their gratitude. They plan to follow the well-being of the refugees and continue advocating for justice and the return of Palestinians to their homeland.
Shortly after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the announcement, reports surfaced regarding the Chilean government’s efforts to bring in a total of 113 refugees from the Middle East. Documents from the National Immigration Bureau indicated that the arrivals include 76 Palestinians, 34 Syrians, and three Afghan women from Gaza.
This effort allows refugees to enter Chile without the burden of consular fees, in alignment with the country’s humanitarian approach. The situation remains dynamic, as the government has indicated readiness to assist more individuals in need.
