Gaza Cancer Patients Trapped by War: Blockade Hinders Life‑Saving Evacuations

Here’s a breakdown of the key details from the provided text, focusing on the plight of cancer patients in Gaza:

* Rising Death Toll: Cancer patients in Gaza are dying due to lack of access to treatment. Five children receiving cancer treatment in Jerusalem in March 2024 are now deceased. The WHO reports 900 people, including children and cancer patients, have died while waiting for evacuation.
* Evacuation Obstacles: While approximately 10,700 Palestinians have been evacuated for specialized care as October 2023 (nearly a quarter being cancer patients), this is far short of the need. over 11,000 cancer patients in Gaza require treatment outside the territory. Aid agencies accuse Israel of obstructing evacuations, despite previous rulings from Israel’s high court recognizing obligations to facilitate medical care.
* Referrals Blocked: Around 4,000 people with official referrals for treatment in third countries are unable to cross the border.
* Closure of Rafah Crossing: The closure of the Rafah crossing in May 2024 has made evacuation routes nearly impossible.
* Legal Arguments: PHRI and partner organizations have petitioned the Israeli high court to reinstate medical evacuations, arguing Israel is legally obligated to provide access to medical care under Israeli and international law, given its control over movement out of Gaza.
* Israel’s Response: COGAT (the Israeli agency administering Gaza) denies restricting medical evacuations,stating requests are examined and approved based on security screening,and that “dozens and even hundreds” are evacuated weekly.

In essence, the article highlights a critical humanitarian crisis where bureaucratic obstacles and border closures are preventing sick individuals from receiving life-saving treatment, leading to preventable deaths.