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Dr. Mohammed Abu Afash, who directs medical relief in the Gaza Strip, told a Palestinian news agency that 2,027 patients have died while waiting to receive treatment or to leave the territory for medical care. He attributed the deterioration of Gaza's health conditions to Israel's closure of border crossings, limits on the entry of medicine and medical supplies, and disruption of diagnostic and treatment services.

More than 21,000 people in Gaza need medical evacuation, Abu Afash said, noting that no patient had crossed the Rafah crossing into Egypt for more than five days. He said delayed departures and shuttered crossings are worsening patients' conditions, producing serious complications among people with cancer, kidney failure, heart disease and other chronic illnesses.

Hospitals are short of diagnostic capacity, including laboratory and operating room services, as well as drugs, equipment and specialist staff, he said, and health services have been scaled back as a result. The number of functioning health centers, once above 574, has fallen to no more than 227, undermining pregnancy and child follow-up, nutrition support and vaccinations.

According to Gaza's Health Ministry, more than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 175,000 wounded since October 2023. The ministry said 1,501 people have died and 5,323 have been wounded as a result of Israeli violations since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, 2025.

Key Takeaways

• 2,027 patients died waiting for treatment or medical evacuation, a Gaza medical relief official said
• More than 21,000 people need evacuation, with no patient crossing into Egypt via Rafah for over five days
• Gaza health centers have dropped from more than 574 to about 227, the official said