GAZA, (PIC)
The Palestinian Ministry of Health said that more than 21,000 patients in Gaza are awaiting urgent treatment abroad, accusing Israel of blocking their travel and worsening the health crisis in the Strip.
In a statement on Saturday, the ministry rejected what it described as “misleading claims” about its work and the medical referral system, saying such accusations lack professional evidence and misinform the public.
It said Israeli authorities continue to keep crossings closed to patients, leaving thousands unable to access treatment outside Gaza, while also pointing to what it described as an attack on a World Health Organization team.
The ministry stressed that attempts to absolve Israel of responsibility for preventing patient travel and deteriorating health conditions align with its narrative and undermine accountability.
Patient figures
According to the ministry, only about 420 patients have been evacuated for treatment abroad over the past six months, an average of fewer than 70 cases per month, while more than 21,500 patients still urgently need medical care outside Gaza.
It added that critically ill patients and those in intensive care face major obstacles to travel due to the lack of a reliable mechanism for urgent evacuation, leaving many on long waiting lists.
Warning over misinformation
The ministry warned against what it described as “misleading media campaigns” aimed at undermining public trust in health institutions, emphasizing that medical teams continue to operate under extremely difficult humanitarian conditions.
It called on media outlets and the public to verify information and avoid unsubstantiated claims, while reaffirming its readiness to address complaints transparently.
The ministry also invited professional and relevant bodies to review the work of the medical referral committee, noting that it includes 12 specialized consultants and operates under standards of integrity and accountability.
