Gaza Health Ministry: More than 1,000 patients have died waiting for the crossing to open, and another 18,000 are stranded

Dr. Munir al-Barsh, Director General of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, explained that the Gaza Strip has approximately 22,000 patients whose cases have been reviewed by specialized committees for medical referrals abroad. These committees operate jointly with the World Health Organization (WHO).

During a press statement, Dr. al-Barsh indicated that 18,100 patients have been approved for referral, all of whom received the official Form No. 1 for treatment outside Gaza.

He noted that among these patients are approximately 5,000 cancer patients, 7,000 wounded individuals, and 500 children. He emphasized that their files are documented and submitted to the United Nations, and that the WHO is the body that confirmed their eligibility for treatment abroad. He added that these patients are simply waiting for the crossing to open so they can leave and receive the necessary medical care.

Dr. al-Barsh stated that approximately 1,000 patients who had received referral forms for treatment abroad have died while awaiting treatment, a figure documented by the Ministry of Health and in the United Nations records.

He confirmed that these patients were waiting for permission to travel to Egypt or other countries to complete their treatment, but the closure of the crossing prevented this, which led to their deaths while they were waiting for permission to travel.