As violence escalates across the Middle East, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) urgently calls for the reopening of all crossings into Gaza, the unrestricted entry of vital humanitarian aid, and the end of movement restrictions on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Following the US and Israel’s military attacks on Iran on Saturday, and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory attacks, Israeli authorities closed every crossing into Gaza to aid deliveries. Karem Abu Salem crossing was partially reopened today, but the Rafah crossing and others remain closed indefinitely. Large scale aid delivery into Gaza has been blocked, and entry and exit for humanitarian staff and medical evacuations has been suspended. Movement restrictions have also been imposed in the West Bank. These actions are placing Palestinian lives at risk and severely obstructing the ability of medical teams to operate.
As a result of the closures, Gaza’s health system – already decimated by Israel’s genocide – now faces increased strain. All partially functioning hospitals rely entirely on backup generators which struggle to operate due to prolonged Israeli restrictions on fuel and spare parts, and electricity shortages. Medical teams have warned that they may be forced to suspend critical departments and treatments, including intensive care units, operating theatres and dialysis services, if fuel and supplies do not arrive. The UN already warned of food and shelter item shortages before the closure this weekend.
Mai Elawawda, MAP’s Communications Officer in central Gaza, said: “The mood in Gaza right now is incredibly fearful and uncertain. With the closure of crossings and the sound of rockets overhead, people have rushed to stock up on food and medicines. But after more than two years of devastation, displacement and loss of income, thousands of families simply cannot afford the basics. Our teams are still recording significant levels of malnutrition, especially in pregnant women and children.
“People fear a return to mass bombardment and extreme shortages. The psychological impact has been huge – everyone knows that closing the crossings will make our lives even more difficult. How can we face more devastation and loss?”
The closure comes almost exactly one month after the Rafah crossing was partially reopened on 2 February. Since then, only 289 patients have been medially evacuated via Rafah, far below the 18,500 in critical need. More than 1,400 people have already died while waiting for medical evacuation according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza.
Across the West Bank, Palestinians have also faced increased danger and restrictions. Israeli forces have intensified military measures, imposing sweeping checkpoint closures that have paralysed movement and prevented people from travelling between cities. Schools have been closed and many people have been unable to reach their homes, hospitals and workplaces.
