Palestinians gathered outside the Al-Shifa Medical Complex to demand that Israel lift travel restrictions preventing patients from leaving the Gaza Strip for urgent medical treatment. The protest brought together patients and wounded people who say they are unable to access the care they need without permission to cross out of the enclave.
Thousands Awaiting Evacuation
According to Gaza health authorities, more than 20,000 patients and wounded people are currently waiting to be evacuated for treatment. The demonstration outside Al-Shifa reflected mounting frustration among those whose conditions require care that is not available within the strip.
The protesters called on Israel to ease the restrictions that have kept them from leaving, arguing that delays are worsening their medical situations and putting lives at risk.
Rafah Crossing at the Center
Health officials in Gaza say that Israel continues to throttle the crossings through Rafah, one of the key routes used to move patients out of the territory for treatment. The limited access has left large numbers of people in urgent need of care unable to reach hospitals beyond Gaza.