Thousands of Palestinians face critical health risks as border closures and conflict toll worsen humanitarian crisis
The United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) are urgently calling on Israel to allow the medical evacuation of Palestinians from Gaza, where approximately 15,000 people are in desperate need of treatment. The Rafah border crossing remains closed despite a recently agreed ceasefire, leaving thousands without access to essential care.
The humanitarian situation continues to worsen. Reports indicate that the bodies of 54 unidentified Palestinians, some showing signs of torture and execution, were returned by Israel and buried in a mass grave in central Deir el-Balah.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has stated that Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to allow the entry of basic necessities into Gaza, warning that the use of starvation as a method of warfare violates international law.
Since October 2023, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 68,234 Palestinians and wounded 170,373. The conflict also claimed 1,139 Israeli lives, and around 200 people were taken captive during the October 7 attacks.
As humanitarian agencies push for immediate access, the international community continues to warn that the ongoing blockades and border closures are exacerbating an already catastrophic health crisis for civilians trapped in Gaza.