Riyadh: Israeli occupation authorities prevented patients and wounded individuals from traveling through the Rafah border crossing in southern Gaza on Wednesday, after the World Health Organization (WHO) informed them of the cancellation of the third group's travel arrangements.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Raed al-Nims, spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, stated that the WHO office notified them of the cancellation, despite all procedures being completed and the patients being prepared at the Red Crescent Hospital in Khan Younis. This unexpected decision surprised the relevant authorities and the patients themselves.
Since the crossing reopened on Monday, only 50 patients and wounded individuals, including their companions, have been able to leave. Of these, seven patients and their companions left on the first day, and 16 more departed on the second day, all within a 48-hour period.
Al-Nims highlighted that this cancellation is part of the occupation's procrastination and obstruction of patients' travel, despite the urgent need for treatment outside the Gaza Strip. He noted that approximately 18,500 patients and wounded individuals require treatment abroad.
