![A group of patients and wounded individuals from the Rehabilitation Hospital depart to be evacuated through the Rafah Border Crossing, which reopened after 18 days following its closure by Israel citing Iranian retaliations, in Khan Yunis, Gaza on March 18, 2026.[Abdallah F.s. Alattar - Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AA-20260319-40869445-40869427-PATIENTS_DEPART_GAZA_FOR_EVACUATION_VIA_RAFAH_BORDER_CROSSING_IN_GAZA-1-1.jpg?fit=920%2C613&ssl=1)
The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip has said between six and 10 patients die each day while waiting to travel abroad for medical treatment, due to restrictions on movement and border crossings.
Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the ministry’s information department, said around 1,400 patients out of 20,000 have died since 7th May 2024, when control of the Rafah crossing was taken. He said this reflects a worsening health crisis in the territory.
Meanwhile, the General Authority for Crossings and Borders said on Monday that 25 people left through the crossing on Sunday, including eight patients and 17 companions. Their travel procedures were facilitated so they could receive treatment.
The authority added that 28 travellers arrived during the same working hours after completing entry procedures. It said operations at the crossing are running normally, with services continuing and humanitarian cases being assisted.
READ: BBC “imposed restrictions” on its journalists during coverage of the Gaza war, UK Court hears
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