Gaza medical evacuations halted as Israel cancels coordination

A scheduled evacuation of critically ill patients from the Gaza Strip has been halted after Israeli officials withdrew coordination for the operation, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported Wednesday. The cancellation postponed the departure of a third group of patients and injured individuals who were due to be transferred through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

Last-Minute Cancellation Without Explanation

Raed Al-Nems, a spokesman for the Red Crescent in Gaza, stated that the World Health Organization informed them of the cancellation without providing a reason. Medical teams were fully prepared at Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis to facilitate the transfers, but the last-minute decision prevented the evacuation from proceeding as planned. The society expressed hope that coordination would resume to allow the patients to leave on Thursday.

Limited Crossings Amid Severe Restrictions

The Rafah crossing had partially reopened earlier in the week under strict Israeli controls. On Wednesday, 40 Palestinians, including women and children, returned to Gaza via the crossing while a similar number departed. This followed limited movement on previous days, with just 20 departures reported on Monday. The tightly regulated process highlights the severe constraints on humanitarian movement despite the immense medical needs within the besieged enclave.

Background of Destruction and Ceasefire Violations

The evacuation delays occur in the context of a devastated healthcare system and widespread infrastructure destruction following a two-year Israeli offensive that ended with a ceasefire. The conflict resulted in massive Palestinian casualties and left approximately 90% of Gaza's infrastructure in ruins. Reports continue to document Israeli attacks in violation of the ceasefire agreement, further complicating recovery and humanitarian efforts.