DaysofPal – The sixth group of wounded and ill Palestinians left Gaza on Monday morning through the Rafah land crossing to receive medical treatment abroad, following the partial resumption of a medical coordination mechanism.
Buses carrying patients departed from the headquarters of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Khan Younis. They headed toward the Palestinian terminal at the Rafah crossing in preparation for their transfer to the Egyptian side.
The evacuation process took place under the supervision and coordination of representatives from the World Health Organization to ensure the safe transport of critical cases for which no treatment options are available inside Gaza, given the severe deterioration of the healthcare system.
The fifth group of patients departed on Sunday, while the crossing has witnessed the departure of more than 189 patients and companions since its reopening last week. During the same period, over 88 Palestinians stranded outside the territory were able to return to Gaza.
Local sources reported that the fourth group of patients left Gaza last Thursday, under strict Israeli restrictions on the movement of patients and humanitarian cases, which continue to limit access to treatment outside the enclave, where the health and humanitarian situation remains extremely dire.
On Saturday, 25 Palestinians returned to Gaza following medical treatment abroad, showing clear signs of exhaustion and physical strain upon their arrival.
Since the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing nearly a week ago, approximately 190 patients and their companions have left Gaza for treatment abroad, with Israeli measures and violations continuing to affect the travel process.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza estimates that over 22,000 injured and ill people urgently need medical evacuation, including about 4,500 children whose conditions necessitate immediate travel to save their lives.
The ministry has repeatedly warned about the deteriorating health situation in Gaza. Thousands of cancer patients remain deprived of specialized treatment, while closures and travel restrictions continue to obstruct medical pathways and humanitarian access.
The Rafah crossing resumed limited operations in both directions last Monday following a closure that lasted 21 months, after its facilities were destroyed and the Palestinian side was occupied in May 2024. Despite this partial reopening, patients continue to wait for travel permits under severe restrictions that curtail humanitarian movement.
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