Gaza Herald – Gaza’s Health Ministry announced that more than 20,000 patients and war-wounded Palestinians are currently waiting to travel abroad for medical treatment, warning that the partial operation of Rafah Crossing falls far short of addressing the escalating humanitarian catastrophe.
In a statement issued Sunday, the ministry expressed deep concern over the continued restricted functioning of the crossing, as Gaza’s healthcare system remains overwhelmed. Among those awaiting evacuation are critical cases, including cancer patients, individuals with heart disease, kidney failure patients, and people suffering severe war-related injuries requiring advanced surgical intervention unavailable inside the besieged enclave.
Although authorities announced the partial reopening of Rafah Crossing on February 2, 2026, the ministry said the number of patients permitted to leave remains extremely limited and grossly disproportionate to the scale of medical need. It described the measure as insufficient and inconsistent with minimum humanitarian obligations toward the sick and wounded.
Health officials also reported receiving testimonies from evacuated patients who described restrictive procedures and unjustified delays, adding psychological and physical strain to already fragile medical conditions. The ministry characterized these measures as systematic obstacles exacerbating human suffering.
The continued Israeli limitations on medical evacuations, officials warned, pose a direct threat to thousands of lives and further deepen Gaza’s health emergency. They stressed that prolonged delays in treatment could lead to preventable deaths.
The ministry called for the permanent and unrestricted opening of Rafah Crossing, urgent evacuation of critical cases, and a significant increase in travel approvals in line with accumulated medical demand. It urged international and humanitarian bodies to intervene immediately to safeguard patients’ right to access life-saving treatment, emphasizing that delayed care translates into lost lives.
