Chemotherapy for cancer patients in Gaza has been suspended

The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced the suspension of intravenous chemotherapy and medical follow-up services for cancer patients in the Gaza Strip.

The Gaza Health Ministry said in a press release posted on its Facebook page today that “the evacuation of the European Hospital and the Gaza Cancer Center has exacerbated the catastrophic situation for patients.”

The Ministry reported that 11,000 cancer patients in Gaza are without adequate treatment and healthcare, noting that 5,000 cancer patients have urgent referrals abroad for treatment, either for diagnosis or for chemotherapy and radiation.

The Ministry explained that the lack of early diagnosis and follow-up equipment exacerbates patients’ health conditions, noting that 64% of cancer medications are out of stock.

The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed that cancer patients are trapped in catastrophic health, social, psychological, and economic conditions, calling on all parties to pressure the occupation to enable patients to travel for treatment abroad and bring in the necessary medications.