The Palestinian Ministry of Health has warned of a serious health crisis in the Gaza Strip. Thousands of patients are being prevented from travelling abroad for treatment, despite completing all official medical procedures. This directly threatens their lives and places unprecedented strain on the health system.

According to a press release seen by the Canary, around 20,000 patients with approved medical referrals remain on waiting lists. They are awaiting permission to travel for treatment that is unavailable inside the Strip.

Among them are 440 urgent, life-saving cases, where delays in referral pose an immediate threat to patients’ lives.

The waiting lists also include more than 4,000 cancer patients who require specialised treatment unavailable in Gaza. This is due to severe shortages of medicines and medical supplies, as well as the declining operational capacity of health facilities under constant pressure.

Official data shows that around 4,500 patients awaiting referral are children. This highlights the profound humanitarian dimension of the crisis and raises serious concerns about long-term health consequences for the most vulnerable.

The Ministry warned that continued restrictions on patient travel could lead to unpredictable outcomes. These include rising mortality rates, worsening medical conditions, and longer waiting lists for external referrals, at a time when the health system can no longer absorb additional pressure.

The Ministry stressed that denying patients access to treatment is a direct violation of the right to health and life. It called on the international community and humanitarian organisations to meet their legal and moral obligations and take urgent action to ensure patients’ freedom of movement and immediate access to life-saving care.

Featured image via UN News

By Alaa Shamali

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