The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip stated that evacuating approximately 21,000 patients and wounded individuals in need of treatment outside the Strip will take nearly four years if the current travel mechanism remains in place, given the continued closure of the Rafah border crossing to medical evacuations.
In a press release, the Ministry held Israel fully responsible for the lives of the patients and wounded, and issued an urgent appeal to the international community to intervene and exert pressure to open the crossings and facilitate their departure.
The Ministry explained that the closure of the crossing has prevented dozens of critical cases, listed on approved travel lists and meeting all requirements, from leaving during the three days each week designated for coordinating the travel of patients and the wounded, thus disrupting medical evacuation schedules.
It noted that many of these individuals waited for weeks to obtain the necessary approvals and security and medical coordination, only to encounter further obstacles.
The Ministry warned that the repeated disruptions threaten the lives of those suffering from serious illnesses, such as cancer, kidney failure, and severe injuries, as each day of delay weakens their response to treatment and reduces their chances of recovery. She added that the closure is further straining the already overburdened resources of local hospitals and placing medical staff under immense pressure to treat cases requiring specialized care outside the Gaza Strip.
The ministry called on UN agencies and human rights organizations to exert urgent pressure to ensure the permanent opening of the crossing and to facilitate the unimpeded and timely exit of emergency cases.
