Over 30 patients evacuated from Gaza via Rafah Crossing under Israeli restrictions.

.KHAN YOUNIS, GAZA STRIP, PALESTINE - JUNE 2, 2026: A total of 33 patients and wounded individuals, accompanied by their companions, were evacuated from the Gaza Strip through the Rafah Border Crossing, where Israel maintains strict restrictions. The medical evacuation was carried out under the coordination of the World Health Organization on Tuesday, June 2. Mahir al-Ahras, a cancer patient, told Anadolu that limited medical supplies and healthcare services had forced him to wait a long time for treatment outside Gaza. He emphasized the importance of the Rafah border crossing for patients in need of medical care. The healthcare sector in Gaza has been severely affected by Israeli attacks. Ongoing attacks and shortcomings in the health infrastructure have made it necessary for seriously wounded and chronically ill patients to be transferred outside Gaza for treatment. In a statement on May 19, the Gaza Health Ministry said that the number of people permitted to leave the territory for medical treatment was insufficient to meet the need and called on the relevant authorities to accelerate the evacuation of patients and the wounded. The ministry added that thousands of patients and injured people registered for treatment outside Gaza were still waiting for permission to leave. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said on April 19 that since the Rafah Border Crossing was partially reopened on February 2, only 700 wounded people had been able to leave Gaza for treatment. It added that 18,000 wounded and sick people were waiting for treatment abroad. Despite a ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025, the Israeli army announced on February 28 that all crossings in the area, including the Rafah Border Crossing, would remain closed until further notice. The Rafah Border Crossing was reported to have reopened on March 19 for pedestrian movement only. Israeli authorities frequently impose restrictions at the Rafah Border Crossing, Gaza's only gateway to the outside world, citing various reasons.