The first patients crossing the Rafah border: a chance to survive from Gaza

After months of waiting, the first group of five patients from Gaza has successfully been transferred to Egypt through the Rafah border crossing recently. Accompanying this journey are seven supporting healthcare workers, offering a glimmer of hope for conflict victims in urgent need of care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this event marks a significant step forward in humanitarian rescue efforts.

Rafah Border Crossing Opens: The Starting Point of the Transfer Process

The Gaza entry point has recently reopened, allowing emergency patient transfers to begin. Rafah, the border point between the two countries, has become a lifeline for critically ill patients. These first five patients are seen as pioneers in a larger transfer program.

The Number of Patients Waiting Behind: An Overwhelming Healthcare Burden

The actual concerning figure is that over 18,500 patients are still waiting to be transferred from Gaza to Egypt for treatment. These individuals are suffering from severe injuries, cancer, diabetes, and many other medical conditions caused by prolonged conflict. Notably, UNICEF has emphasized that more than 3,000 of these patients are children, who are especially vulnerable.

Prioritization and Next Steps

Gaza healthcare agencies are currently classifying and determining which patients will be transferred next. This selection is based on the severity of their condition and survival chances. Every decision impacts the lives of those waiting, making the selection process extremely critical. Collaboration between WHO and local medical organizations will be key to expanding the scale of border crossings for transfers.