The Director of the Gaza Cancer Center, Dr. Mohammed Abu Nadi, warned that the continued closure of the Rafah crossing is putting thousands of patients’ lives at risk.
He said nearly 20,000 patients with medical referrals are waiting to travel abroad for treatment, including around 4,000 cancer patients who have no access to chemotherapy or radiotherapy in Gaza.
Abu Nadi stressed that these patients need urgent travel to begin treatment, or their conditions could worsen rapidly. He also noted that about 4,000–4,500 children require immediate travel for care.
He called for the opening of Rafah, ensuring patients can leave and return freely while medical supplies enter, warning that continued closure could increase deaths and long waiting lists for treatment abroad.
Authorities recently announced that Rafah will officially reopen in both directions on Monday, February 2, 2026, with a trial day on Sunday, February 1. Egyptian media reported that patient transfers to hospitals in Egypt will begin tomorrow, with ambulances deployed in preparation for the arrival of Gaza’s injured and patients.
