Israel preventing more than 16,500 Palestinians from accessing medical treatment

Gaza's Health Ministry has accused Israel of preventing more than 16,500 Palestinians in need of medical treatment abroad from leaving the besieged enclave, despite a nominal ceasefire in place since October 2025. The Rafah crossing, partially reopened in February 2026, is only open three days a week for general exit and one day for medical evacuations at the Karem Abu Salem crossing. Maher Shamia, acting undersecretary of the ministry, called on human rights organizations to pressure Israel to allow patients to freely exit and re-enter Gaza.