Days of Palestine – Gaza

More than 35% of cancer patients are more likely to die as the Israeli occupation prevents them from traveling for treatment through the Beit Hanoun “Erez” checkpoint.

The Director-General of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, said in an interview on Radio “Voice of the Aqsa” Tuesday that oncology patients are more likely to die, and more than 35% of the occupation prevent them from leaving through the Beit Hanoun/Erez checkpoint under unjustified pretexts.

He stressed that oncology patients must take their chemotherapy, and atomic and radiological scans and this prevention is a real execution for these patients if they are not allowed to receive treatment.

He stated that there are no alternatives for treatment in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Dr. Abu Salmiya called on the international community to immediate intervention and put pressure on the Israeli occupation to allow them to travel.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza stated in April that Israel’s 15-year siege has led to the death of 3,000 cancer patients.

The Ministry added that the siege turned Gaza into a geographic spot infected with the causes of environmental pollution, and put many challenges ahead of the health system.

Israeli occupation continues violations against civilians in the Gaza Strip, who enjoy protection in times of armed conflict and military occupation according to international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Israeli occupation adopts the policy of collective punishment practiced against Palestinian civilians, in addition to the illegal closure imposed on the Gaza Strip for over 15 years now.