Gaza’s Health Ministry says nearly 20,000 patients—among them 4,000 cancer patients—are trapped without access to treatment as the closure of Rafah continues, with over 1,200 deaths recorded among those awaiting medical evacuation.

Gaza’s Health Ministry warned on Tuesday that thousands of patients and wounded civilians face an imminent risk of death due to the continued closure of the Rafah border crossing, describing the situation as one of the most severe medical crises the enclave has faced during the war.

According to the ministry, approximately 20,000 patients with completed medical referrals are currently unable to leave Gaza for treatment abroad, including 4,500 children. Of these cases, 440 are classified as life-saving emergencies, requiring immediate evacuation.

The ministry reported that 1,268 patients have already died while waiting for permission to travel for medical care since Rafah was closed on May 7, 2024, following Israel’s ground assault on southern Gaza.

Only 3,100 patients have been allowed to leave the Strip during that period.

Health officials attributed the rising death toll to a combination of severe shortages of medicines and medical supplies, the collapse of most specialized health services, and the widespread destruction of hospital infrastructure across Gaza.

Many facilities remain partially functional or entirely out of service after repeated Israeli attacks.