The United Nations has issued an urgent appeal for increased international assistance in evacuating critically ill patients from Gaza as the Rafah border crossing with Egypt resumes operations. UN humanitarian agencies emphasize that over 18,500 patients, including 4,000 children, require immediate medical evacuation for treatments unavailable within the conflict-ravaged territory.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stressed that civilian movement must adhere to international law standards, ensuring voluntary and safe passage both out of and back into Gaza. The agency simultaneously called for substantially increased humanitarian aid deliveries through Rafah and other border crossings with fewer restrictions.
While the optimal solution would involve restoring medical referrals to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and rehabilitating Gaza’s damaged healthcare infrastructure, OCHA acknowledges the immediate necessity of international patient acceptance. The World Health Organization is currently supporting medical evacuation efforts, with the limited reopening of Rafah enabling some patients to exit directly into Egypt, while others transit through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing.
The UN Development Programme has prepared bus transportation systems for returnees from the Rafah checkpoint to Nassar Hospital in Khan Younis, where a specially equipped reception area staffed by psychologists and protection specialists provides immediate support services, nutritional items, and internet connectivity.
OCHA simultaneously expressed grave concern over continuing attacks on civilians in Gaza, reporting that humanitarian teams are assessing damage and emerging needs following weekend casualties reported by the Gaza Ministry of Health. More than two dozen families sustained shelter damage from nearby attacks, prompting the UN and partners to distribute emergency shelter materials and essential supplies.