Around 1,400 patients out of 20,000 have died since 7th May 2024, when Israel siezed control of the Rafah crossing
Reposted from Middle East Monitor, March 24, 2026
The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip has said between six and 10 patients die each day while waiting to travel abroad for medical treatment, due to restrictions on movement and border crossings.
Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the ministry’s information department, said around 1,400 patients out of 20,000 have died since 7th May 2024, when control of the Rafah crossing was taken. He said this reflects a worsening health crisis in the territory.
Meanwhile, the General Authority for Crossings and Borders said on Monday that 25 people left through the crossing on Sunday, including eight patients and 17 companions. Their travel procedures were facilitated so they could receive treatment.
The authority added that 28 travellers arrived during the same working hours after completing entry procedures. It said operations at the crossing are running normally, with services continuing and humanitarian cases being assisted.
The Middle East Monitor is a not-for-profit press monitoring organisation and lobbying group that emerged in mid-2009. MEMO is largely focused on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict but writes about other issues in the Middle East, as well.
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