DaysofPal- The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights has issued a stark warning of an unprecedented humanitarian and health crisis in the Gaza Strip, stating that more than 20,000 patients and wounded individuals face a serious risk of death due to strict Israeli travel restrictions and systematic denial of access to life-saving treatment abroad.
In a fact sheet released Tuesday through the Nidaa Network for Palestine, the organization said the figures reflect a dire and alarming reality.
It reported that 1,826 patients had died while on waiting lists for medical evacuation approval as of the date of publication.
According to the report, 20,368 patients are in urgent need of immediate travel for treatment, including 5,243 children under the age of 18.
Among them, 2,491 cases are classified as extremely serious and require urgent evacuation, while 981 patients are in critical condition and fighting for their lives in intensive care units.
The organization noted that since the reopening of the Rafah Crossing on February 1, only 1,242 patients have been allowed to leave for treatment, in addition to just 142 cases through the Kerem Shalom Crossing.
These numbers represent only about 7.1% of the total medical need, leaving thousands without access to care.
These restrictions come amid a near-total collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system due to ongoing damage to medical infrastructure and the continued blockade on the entry of equipment, medicines, and fuel for over two and a half years.
This has led to a shutdown of critical departments, including oncology, cardiac surgery, and dialysis services.
In testimony cited in the report, Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya said remaining hospitals are facing severe shortages, with 50% of essential medicines and 70% of medical supplies depleted.
He also highlighted a lack of spare parts for generators and a complete halt in issuing medical permits for treatment in West Bank and Jerusalem hospitals since October 2023.
The report included cases illustrating prolonged suffering, such as a young girl from Khan Younis awaiting treatment abroad for severe neurological and metabolic conditions and a 13-year-old boy with life-threatening congenital heart defects, both unable to receive adequate care locally.
In its conclusion, the center stated that the systematic destruction of the healthcare sector and the denial of treatment constitute a core component of genocide under international law.
It called on the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to take urgent action, pressure the Israeli occupation to allow safe medical evacuations, open crossings, and ensure the uninterrupted entry of medical supplies and fuel, as well as to hold those responsible accountable under international law.
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