Two Palestinian men on hunger strike in Brussels have been hospitalised as their protest enters its second week.
The protesters are demanding the evacuation of their wives and children from Gaza.
Five Palestinians Continue Hunger Strike
Five Palestinians have been on hunger strike for nearly two weeks.
They are seeking the evacuation of family members who remain in Gaza despite holding Belgian family reunification visas issued last year.
One protester was hospitalised on Wednesday. A second was taken to hospital by ambulance on Friday.
Both are receiving treatment at Sint-Jans Hospital in Brussels.
Ismael Najar, who is also participating in the hunger strike, said their condition is currently unstable.
He told Belgian news outlet Bruzz that the man admitted on Friday was suffering from gastrointestinal problems.
Activists Seek Safe Evacuation From Gaza
The protesters are urging the Belgian government to evacuate their children to a safe location.
They have suggested countries including Egypt and Jordan as possible destinations.
The activists say their families have remained stranded in Gaza amid ongoing fighting, bombardment and severe shortages of food and access to education.
They also claim that around 1,500 Palestinians in Gaza holding Belgian visas remain unable to leave because border crossings are closed.
The figures and claims were presented by the activists and have not been independently verified in the information provided.
Belgian Government Responds to Protest
The protesters say they will continue their hunger strike despite increasing exhaustion and health concerns.
Belgian Minister Van Bossuyt expressed sympathy for their situation.
However, she said hunger strikes cannot be used to pressure the government into making specific decisions.
The protest comes amid continuing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Activists have described Israel’s military campaign as genocide, while Israel has rejected such characterisations.
