Israel allows medical evacuation of 19 children from Gaza into Egypt after nearly 2-month halt

In a significant development, Israeli authorities have permitted the evacuation of 68 individuals, including 19 sick or wounded children and their companions, from the Gaza Strip to Egypt. This marks the first medical evacuation since early May when the territory's travel crossing was closed following its capture by Israel. The patients departed Gaza through the Kerem Shalom cargo crossing, with plans to seek medical treatment in Egypt and other countries. The dire situation in Gaza's hospitals was highlighted by a father whose son has tumors, emphasizing the urgent need for medical care abroad. The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the only available route for travel, was closed after Israeli forces took control during a recent operation. The evacuation was organized in collaboration with the World Health Organization and three American charities, aiming to address the healthcare needs of over 25,000 patients in Gaza, including nearly 1,000 children with cancer requiring immediate attention. Calls have been made for the reopening of the Rafah Crossing and Erez Crossing to facilitate patient transfers. The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in a high death toll, with Gaza's Health Ministry reporting over 37,700 Palestinian fatalities. Recent evacuations from heavily bombed Gaza City neighborhoods underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis, with northern Gaza, including its largest city, facing isolation despite evacuation orders. The situation remains critical for hundreds of thousands of residents in the region, amidst continued military presence and restrictions. Efforts to address the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations in Gaza are ongoing, with international organizations and advocacy groups calling for increased access to medical treatment abroad. The recent evacuation of sick and wounded individuals highlights the challenges faced by Palestinians in accessing essential healthcare services, underscoring the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance and support in the conflict-affected region.