Gaza health authorities have expressed worry over the limited operations at the Rafah Crossing with Egypt, stating that the current restrictions put thousands of patients in need of medical treatment abroad at risk. Since its partial reopening on February 2, the crossing has only allowed a small number of travelers, falling significantly short of meeting the basic humanitarian needs of the sick and injured.
More than 20,000 patients, including critical cases such as cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, and severe injuries, are awaiting urgent medical treatment abroad, as reported by Xinhua news agency. Patients have shared distressing accounts of facing delays and constraints, exacerbating their physical and mental anguish.
Health officials are advocating for the permanent and unrestricted opening of the crossing, immediate evacuation of critically ill patients, and an increase in the number of travelers permitted to address pressing medical requirements. They are calling on international and humanitarian organizations to intervene, emphasizing that access to medical care is a fundamental human right safeguarded by international law.
The limited operations at the crossing commenced on February 2 following a ceasefire brokered by the US between Israel and Hamas. Over the past two weeks, approximately 320 patients and their escorts have exited Gaza, while a similar number have entered, according to Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT).
