The Ministry of Health in Gaza confirmed on Tuesday that the continued closure of border crossings poses a severe and direct threat to the lives of thousands of injured and sick people, amid a complete collapse of the medical system within the Strip.
The ministry explained in a press statement that this continuous closure threatens the lives of about 20,000 patients and injured people who are eagerly awaiting to travel abroad for treatment, after losing hope of receiving the necessary care locally.
Official data issued by the ministry revealed a shocking death toll; 1,268 patients have died since the beginning of the crisis, all of whom were awaiting permits to leave, but the occupation's intransigence in closing the crossings prevented this.
Medical reports indicate that there are 440 cases currently classified as very critical, falling under the category of immediate "life-saving" cases that do not have the luxury of waiting for additional days.
According to the ministry's records, the most affected groups include a significant burden on travel lists, with 4,000 cancer patients fighting for their lives, in addition to 4,500 children registered on emergency lists who require specialized medical intervention that is currently unavailable.
This comes at a time when the collapse of medical infrastructure and the severe shortage of medicines and supplies have led to the cessation of all specialized services, leaving hospitals operating at their lowest capacities.
Regarding movement out of the Strip, only 3,100 patients have been able to leave since the closure of the Rafah crossing in May 2024, a very small percentage that does not match the scale of the disaster.
The ministry reiterated its future warnings of an unprecedented rise in patient deaths unless the crossings are immediately opened and medical supplies are secured, appealing to the international community to intervene urgently to stop this humanitarian tragedy.
The continued closure of border crossings poses a severe and direct threat to the lives of thousands of injured and sick people.
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Gaza Health: Closure of crossings threatens the lives of 20,000 patients and causes the death of hundreds awaiting treatment