Gaza’s healthcare system faces catastrophic collapse as medical authorities reveal a devastating human toll of delayed medical evacuations. Health Ministry Director-General Munir al-Barash reported that approximately 1,000 patients holding approved referrals for external treatment have died during the protracted waiting period for border crossings to open.
The documented casualties represent only a fraction of the growing healthcare emergency in the coastal territory. Official records indicate that 18,100 patients have received approval for medical transfer abroad, including 5,000 cancer patients, 7,000 injured individuals, and approximately 500 children requiring specialized care unavailable in Gaza.
Al-Barash criticized neighboring countries for maintaining closed border crossings despite the documented medical emergencies. All patient cases have been formally submitted to both United Nations agencies and the World Health Organization (WHO), which are working with local authorities to address the crisis.
The healthcare collapse stems from the devastating combination of destroyed medical infrastructure and critical shortages of essential supplies, including life-saving medications. The territory’s health system, already weakened by years of conflict and restrictions, now faces complete breakdown under the weight of overwhelming medical needs and insufficient resources.
This week’s warning from Gaza’s health leadership highlights the urgent need for international intervention to prevent further loss of life among critically ill patients awaiting evacuation.