Gaza Herald – Gaza authorities reported severe humanitarian consequences resulting from the continued closure of the Rafah border crossing, describing the situation as catastrophic for patients, the wounded, and the collapsing health sector. Tens of thousands were left without access to lifesaving treatment outside the Strip.
More than 22,000 patients and injured Palestinians required urgent travel for medical care unavailable in Gaza, while over half a million surgical procedures remained backlogged. The scale of need far exceeded the capacity of the crippled healthcare system after months of destruction and shortages.
The closure also affected civilians stranded abroad, with over 80,000 Palestinians submitting requests to return to Gaza. The restrictions were seen as part of a broader policy aimed at tightening the blockade, limiting movement, and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Gaza officials urged international mediators and ceasefire guarantors to intervene immediately, stressing that reopening Rafah in both directions was essential to prevent further loss of life and to allow patients, students, and families access to medical care, education, and basic human mobility.
