Israel obstructs travel of 17,000 Gazan patients for treatment: Health Ministry

Gaza’s Health Ministry accused Israel on Tuesday of obstructing the departure of more than 17,000 Palestinians for medical treatment abroad, warning that deaths could rise among patients waiting for care, Anadolu Agency reports. “The number of documented medical referrals had reached 17,757 as of May 20,” acting Deputy Health Minister Maher Shamiya said at a news conference at Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City. He said only 3,226 people have been able to leave through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom (Karam Abu Salem) crossings, including 1,204 patients. Gaza’s health sector is suffering a broad collapse following Israel’s two-year war, which has caused extensive destruction to hospitals and health infrastructure, along with severe shortages of medicine, fuel and medical supplies. The Rafah […]