Chile welcomes 67 Gaza refugees amid ongoing conflict
- The Chilean government confirmed the arrival of 67 individuals from the Gaza Strip on a humanitarian basis.
- President Gabriel Boric highlighted the dangers faced by the refugees due to ongoing violence in Gaza.
- The arrival reflects Chile's commitment to humanitarian law and has been supported by various international organizations.
In September 2025, Chile's government announced the arrival of 67 individuals from the Gaza Strip who have close ties to the country. This initiative is part of Chile's commitment to international humanitarian law and has been enabled through collaboration with various international organizations. The evacuation began on September 10 and involved a coordinated effort for their safe transfer, which included assistance from diplomatic and consular staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Upon their arrival, the refugees underwent the relevant entry controls, and the state's protection network was activated in accordance with legal obligations. Chilean President Gabriel Boric, representing the far-left, endorsed the arrival of the refugees, citing their lives being in danger due to circumstances described as genocide occurring in Gaza. Boric has been vocal in condemning Israel's military actions against Hamas, particularly following the October 7 attack by the group, reflecting a broader trend among several Latin American leaders who have taken critical stances against Israel's operations in the region. Moreover, the Palestinian Community of Chile expressed gratitude for this gesture, emphasizing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza where many families face dire conditions. They reiterated a commitment to support the newly arrived individuals as they integrate into Chilean society while continuing to advocate for justice and an end to the Israeli occupation. Furthermore, reports indicated that the Chilean government is planning to accommodate additional refugees from conflict zones in the Middle East, including Palestinians, Syrians, and Afghans. These plans involve issuing temporary residence visas and safe-conduct passes for Palestinian refugees specifically, outlining the humanitarian nature of the government's efforts to assist those affected by violence and instability in their home countries.