In a significant development, 37 sick and injured Palestinians have crossed from Gaza into Egypt for medical care, following the reopening of the Rafah border crossing after an extended closure of eight months. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that among those evacuated were 34 children, accompanied by their family members, who are now set to receive necessary medical treatment. This reopening aligns with a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, marking a critical lifeline for many who have been unable to seek help due to the closure.
Sick and Injured Palestinians Evacuated from Gaza as Rafah Crossing Reopens
Sick and Injured Palestinians Evacuated from Gaza as Rafah Crossing Reopens
Rafah border crossing sees first evacuations in months as medical cases leave Gaza for treatment in Egypt.
Reports indicate that the Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt, had been closed since Israeli forces took control in May 2022. Recent footage captures the poignant journey of evacuees, including children on stretchers and in ambulances, arriving at the border. Mai Khader Abdul Ghani, whose son has a rare autoimmune disease, expressed her relief and hope for her son's treatment after a prolonged wait, highlighting the urgency of medical care during heightened conflict.
Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO representative in the region, described the evacuation process as methodical, emphasizing that priority was given to non-walking patients before walking patients and accompanying family members. As part of a larger humanitarian crisis, approximately 14,000 Palestinians currently require urgent medical assistance unavailable in Gaza, according to WHO's assessments. These include victims of war-related injuries, chronic illnesses, and children significantly impacted by the conflict.
The recent influx of medical evacuations coincides with the deployment of a European Union monitoring mission at the Rafah crossing, intended to facilitate the safe transfer of individuals needing care. Following a devastating military offensive that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, the opening of the Rafah crossing represents hope for those seeking medical assistance, as the region grapples with ongoing violence and humanitarian needs.
This reopening also took place amid a broader context of hostage exchange activities, reflecting a fragile ceasefire between conflicting parties. While the Rafah crossing remains a crucial route for humanitarian aid and medical access, the intensity of the situation underscores the urgent need for continued support for those suffering in Gaza.
More than 47,000 Palestinians have reportedly died due to Israel's military actions since the onset of the conflict, further amplifying the crisis that has become a focal point of international concern and humanitarian efforts.
Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO representative in the region, described the evacuation process as methodical, emphasizing that priority was given to non-walking patients before walking patients and accompanying family members. As part of a larger humanitarian crisis, approximately 14,000 Palestinians currently require urgent medical assistance unavailable in Gaza, according to WHO's assessments. These include victims of war-related injuries, chronic illnesses, and children significantly impacted by the conflict.
The recent influx of medical evacuations coincides with the deployment of a European Union monitoring mission at the Rafah crossing, intended to facilitate the safe transfer of individuals needing care. Following a devastating military offensive that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, the opening of the Rafah crossing represents hope for those seeking medical assistance, as the region grapples with ongoing violence and humanitarian needs.
This reopening also took place amid a broader context of hostage exchange activities, reflecting a fragile ceasefire between conflicting parties. While the Rafah crossing remains a crucial route for humanitarian aid and medical access, the intensity of the situation underscores the urgent need for continued support for those suffering in Gaza.
More than 47,000 Palestinians have reportedly died due to Israel's military actions since the onset of the conflict, further amplifying the crisis that has become a focal point of international concern and humanitarian efforts.
