World Health Organization: 16,500 patients in Gaza waiting for evacuation as crossings are closed to aid

The World Health Organization issued an urgent call on Saturday regarding the deteriorating health situation in the Gaza Strip, confirming that about 16,500 patients are still waiting for evacuation for treatment outside the area, amid the ongoing closure of crossings and the deterioration of medical services.

The organization clarified that its medical supplies are ready at the border, but they are unable to enter due to restrictions imposed on the Rafah crossing and other crossings, calling for their urgent reopening to facilitate medical evacuations and the delivery of vital supplies.

The organization emphasized that the Rafah crossing is a vital outlet for medical evacuations and a key entry point for health supplies, noting that the continued closure exacerbates the humanitarian crisis and puts the lives of thousands of patients at risk.

It also called for the unhindered flow of aid through all crossings and urged countries to accept more Palestinian patients for treatment, amid the collapse of the health system inside Gaza due to the bombardment and blockade.