Occupied Jerusalem, March 23 (SANA) – The health situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate amid the near-total closure of the Rafah crossing since May 2024, with Palestinian health authorities reporting that 6 to 10 patients die daily while awaiting travel abroad for treatment.
The Gaza Ministry of Health said that around 1,400 patients have died out of approximately 20,000 in urgent need of evacuation, including 195 critical cases at risk of imminent death and 1,971 emergency cases requiring transfer within weeks. Among those affected are about 4,000 children and a similar number of cancer patients.
Despite a partial reopening of the crossing since February 20, 2026, only around 24 patients per day have been allowed to leave under strict restrictions, with 490 patients evacuated in one month, far below the estimated 200–400 daily cases needed to address the backlog.
The ministry said the collapse of the health sector, combined with restrictions on medical supplies and continued targeting of infrastructure, has made treatment abroad the only option for thousands of patients.
Meanwhile, the ministry reported that during Eid al-Fitr, hospitals received the bodies of 9 Palestinians, including one who succumbed to previous injuries, in addition to 30 wounded. Several victims remain under rubble or in streets, as rescue teams face difficulties accessing affected areas.
Since the ceasefire in October 2025, 687 people have been killed and 1,845 injured, with 756 bodies recovered. The overall toll since the start of the Israeli occupation aggression has reached 72,263 killed and 171,944 wounded, according to the ministry.
Kh.A
