The closure of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza has prevented the medical evacuation of at least 2,000 patients, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO representative Rik Peeperkorn stated that approximately 50 critical patients per day were leaving Gaza before the closure on May 7.
The crossing has been a vital link for medical evacuations and humanitarian aid since the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated on October 7.
Efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to reopen the crossing have been unsuccessful, with Egypt demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the restoration of a Palestinian presence at Rafah. Peeperkorn also highlighted the difficulties posed by the nearby Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, currently deemed unsafe. At least 10,000 people in Gaza require evacuation for war-related injuries and chronic diseases.
The WHO continues to advocate for the immediate reopening of medical evacuation routes, stressing the importance of international cooperation to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The crossing has been a vital link for medical evacuations and humanitarian aid since the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated on October 7.
Efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to reopen the crossing have been unsuccessful, with Egypt demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the restoration of a Palestinian presence at Rafah. Peeperkorn also highlighted the difficulties posed by the nearby Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, currently deemed unsafe. At least 10,000 people in Gaza require evacuation for war-related injuries and chronic diseases.
The WHO continues to advocate for the immediate reopening of medical evacuation routes, stressing the importance of international cooperation to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
