Gaza: The Gaza Center for Human Rights has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating health crisis affecting thousands of patients in the Gaza Strip. Patients are reportedly suffering due to the collapse of the healthcare system, a severe shortage of medical equipment and treatments, and the continued closure of crossings by Israeli forces.
According to Qatar News Agency, the center's recent statement highlights the deaths of 10,000 patients, including women and children, over the past two years. These deaths occurred during medical treatment within Gaza amid aggressive actions by Israeli occupation forces, which have systematically targeted and debilitated the local health system.
The statement further revealed that among the deaths were 1,000 individuals who were registered for medical travel. Their conditions worsened due to the lack of appropriate treatments available in Gaza, underscoring the dire situation faced by those needing urgent medical care.
The human rights center has urged the international community and the World Health Organization (WHO) to reconsider the current medical evacuation protocols. The existing system is controlled by Israel, involving a complex series of procedures that often result in rejections or delays, exacerbating the health conditions of Gaza's residents who lack access to necessary treatments.
The center also emphasized the plight of 16,500 patients still awaiting approval for medical travel, including 4,000 children whose lives are at risk without urgent transfers. Many more are in need of vital medical referrals, illustrating the breadth of the crisis.
Earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that over 900 patients have died while awaiting medical evacuation. These deaths are attributed to Israeli restrictions on issuing travel permits for treatment outside Gaza, further highlighting the grave humanitarian situation in the region.