Struggles Intensify for Gaza Patients as Rafah Crossing Reopening Looms
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Five months ago, Rimas Abu Lehia, aged 15, suffered a severe injury when Israeli forces fired upon Palestinians gathering for food aid in Gaza. A bullet shattered her knee, leaving her dependent on a wheelchair.
Abu Lehia’s chance to walk again rests on receiving surgery outside Gaza, joining a list of over 20,000 Palestinians, including 4,500 children, awaiting evacuation for medical treatment, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The potential reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt is a critical component of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israel has stated that the crossing will open on Sunday, allowing limited movement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to permit 50 patients per day to leave, with suggestions that up to 150 might be allowed. This is a significant increase from the previous rate of 25 patients weekly during the ceasefire, but still necessitates 130-400 days to evacuate all needing care.
Gaza’s Healthcare System in Crisis
Following the October 2023 conflict initiated by Hamas, Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure has been severely compromised, with many hospitals destroyed and medical supplies scarce.
Complex surgeries and treatments for chronic conditions, including care for amputees, are unavailable. The only cancer treatment facility in Gaza was destroyed by Israeli troops, citing its use by Hamas militants.
Since the conflict began, over 10,000 patients have sought treatment abroad, according to the World Health Organization. The Rafah crossing, seized by Israeli troops in May 2024, has seen limited evacuations, with only brief increases during ceasefires.
Approximately 440 evacuees have life-threatening conditions, and over 1,200 have died while awaiting evacuation. The U.N. notes complications in patient acceptance due to the uncertainty of their return to Gaza.
Cancer Patients Facing Dire Needs
Gaza’s more than 11,000 cancer patients face a severe shortage of chemotherapy drugs, with 4,000 requiring urgent treatment abroad, the health ministry reports.
Ahmed Barham, a university student with leukemia, struggles as his condition worsens. His father, Mohamed Barham, expresses despair over the lack of available treatment, despite his son being listed for urgent evacuation.
Hope Hinges on Rafah’s Reopening
Mahmoud Abu Ishaq, 14, awaits treatment for a retinal detachment, which has left him blind. His family remains hopeful for the Rafah crossing to open.
Abu Lehia recounts her injury while seeking food aid amidst Israeli gunfire, which also resulted in numerous fatalities. Despite promises of evacuation, her condition worsens as she waits for confirmation.
Rimas Abu Lehia expresses her dependence on the crossing reopening, stating, “I wish I didn’t have to sit in this chair.” Her father, Sarhan Abu Lehia, laments her deteriorating condition, saying, “She sits alone and cries.”
