Israeli occupation authorities on Wednesday prevented patients and the injured from traveling through the Rafah land crossing in southern Gaza, after the World Health Organization (WHO) office was informed of the cancellation of the third batch scheduled to leave for medical treatment.
Raed Al-Nams, spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, said that the WHO office informed them of the cancellation of patient travel, despite all procedures being completed and patients being prepared at the Red Crescent Hospital in Khan Younis, which came as a surprise to both the authorities and the patients.
He added that since the crossing reopened on Monday, only 50 patients and injured people have crossed, including their companions; 7 patients and their companions left on the first day, and 16 others with companions on the second day, over 48 hours.
Al-Nams noted that this cancellation comes as part of continued delays and obstacles imposed by the occupation on patient travel, despite the urgent need for treatment outside the Gaza Strip, highlighting that about 18,500 patients and injured people require medical care abroad.
