Tens of thousands of Gazans urgently need medical evacuation, according to a plea from Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Hani Isleem, who coordinates medical evacuations from Gaza for MSF, has urged countries to open their doors to these patients. “The need is really huge,” Isleem told AFP in an interview on Tuesday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 8,000 patients have been evacuated from Gaza since the war began in October, 2023. However, over 16,500 patients still require treatment outside of the Palestinian territory. Isleem noted that the actual number of those in need is likely much higher. “Our estimate is that it is three to four times that number,” he said.
To date, over 30 countries have taken in patients, but only a handful, including Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, have accepted large numbers. In Europe, Italy has taken over 200 patients, while countries like France and Germany have taken none so far, while Switzerland recently took in 20 Gaza children in two batches.
Challenges in Evacuation
Isleem highlighted that the pace of medical evacuations has slowed down, as around 1,500 patients left each month on average. But after Israel closed the Rafah crossing into Egypt in May 2024, the monthly average dropped to around 70. Even the US-brokered ceasefire that came into effect on 10 October has not sped up the process.
Despite a dramatic drop in Israeli evacuation refusals, from an average of 90 percent to just five percent in recent months, the process remains slow. Isleem emphasized that no patients should be blocked from leaving Gaza to access treatment. The main issue is the long and often politicized process for nations to accept Gaza’s medical evacuees. “Countries are taking a long time to decide or allocate the budget for these patients, but (they cannot) wait for this discussion to happen,” Isleem said.
The Human Cost
More than 900 people have died while waiting for evacuations from Gaza since October 2023. Isleem warned that this figure is likely an underestimate. He also pointed out that many countries are only accepting children, ignoring adults who also need lifesaving aid.
“99.9% of countries are asking for children. They are ignoring completely the adults (who also) need support and lifesaving aid,” Isleem said, urging countries to stop imposing strict criteria and focus on saving lives.
Governments often impose additional criteria, such as refusing patients with accompanying family members, especially male siblings over 18. Isleem urged countries to “stop this selection shopping list” and focus on the needs of the patients.
