The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip warned on Tuesday that the continued closure of the Rafah crossing to patient and wounded movement is worsening their medical conditions to a critical level, threatening their lives.

The ministry stressed that reopening the crossing, facilitating the exit of patients and the wounded, and ensuring the steady entry of essential medical supplies remains the last lifeline for these patients.

According to the ministry, 20,000 individuals with complete medical referrals are awaiting permission to travel abroad for treatment. The shortage of medicines and medical consumables, the suspension of most specialized services, and the destruction of hospital infrastructure have exacerbated waiting lists for treatment abroad.

The ministry reported that 440 cases are considered life-saving emergencies, and 1,268 patients have died while awaiting permission to travel for treatment abroad.

Cancer patients are among the most affected due to the crossing closure and the lack of specialized treatments and diagnostic services. Approximately 4,000 cancer patients are on urgent waiting lists for travel.

Of the patients with registered referrals, 4,500 are children, while only 3,100 patients have managed to leave Gaza since the closure of the Rafah crossing on May 7, 2024.

The Health Ministry warned of unpredictable health consequences that could result in increased patient mortality and longer waiting lists for treatment abroad.