Gaza Faces Deadly Medical Crisis as Rafah Crossing Remains Closed
Gaza’s health system is on the brink of total collapse. The Health Ministry issued a dire warning on Tuesday, stating thousands face imminent death. This crisis stems from the continued closure of the Rafah border crossing.
Approximately 20,000 patients with official referrals cannot leave for treatment. This group includes 4,500 children and 440 life-saving emergencies. The ministry described this as one of the most severe medical crises of the war.
A Lethal Waiting Game
The human cost of the closure is already devastating. Since May 2024, 1,268 patients have died while waiting for permission to travel. In stark contrast, only 3,100 have been allowed to leave during the same period.
Deaths continue despite an active ceasefire. The overall toll has reached at least 71,662 Palestinians killed. Since the ceasefire began, 488 more have been killed and 1,350 wounded.
Cancer patients are among the hardest hit. Some 4,000 oncology patients are on urgent waiting lists. Specialized treatments inside Gaza are largely nonexistent.
Causes of the Collapse
The rising death toll has multiple causes. There are severe shortages of medicines and critical supplies. Most specialized health services have collapsed entirely.
Furthermore, hospital infrastructure is widely destroyed. Many facilities remain only partially functional after repeated attacks. Winter conditions compound the crisis, with reports of infants dying from hypothermia.
Political Stalemate and Pleas for Action
The border’s reopening is mired in political conditions. Hamas demands Israel implement all ceasefire provisions, including unrestricted access. Israel links reopening to political and security demands.
Health officials state reopening Rafah is the “last remaining lifeline.” They warn the system cannot absorb the crisis alone. “This is no longer a looming catastrophe,” the ministry said. “It is unfolding every day.”
