On Thursday, the Medical Transfers Committee confirmed the cancellation of patients’ travel scheduled for that day via the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza Strip due to the lack of necessary coordination. The committee said in a statement: “This cancellation comes for the third time in two weeks, as patients were only able to travel 3 times out of 6 scheduled trips during this period.” It added that this results in “delays in travel for patients in need of treatment, increased numbers of patients on waiting lists, and worsening the suffering of patients and their families due to the travel delays.” The committee emphasized that organizing travel lists and reviewing medical cases does not mean they have the authority to open the crossing or issue approvals and security coordination, and that any cancellation or delay caused by the lack of coordination is beyond their control. It continued, “We hope citizens understand these circumstances and do not hold the committee responsible for procedures and decisions that are outside its powers.” The spokesperson for the Red Crescent in Gaza, Raed Al-Nems, had warned about the repercussions of the intermittent closure of the Rafah crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, stressing that it increases risks to the lives of patients and the wounded, especially since the number of people leaving during opening times is insufficient to meet medical needs.
