More than 20,000 patients in Gaza await medical evacuation
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has placed the local healthcare system under severe strain, with shortages of medicines and equipment and restricted humanitarian access leaving more than 20,000 sick and wounded people waiting for treatment outside the enclave.
Among them is six-year-old Sila Abu Karim, who suffered shrapnel damage to her spine. Her family says she needs surgery, but the required equipment is not available in Gaza.
Ten-year-old Tala Ouda is also waiting for treatment abroad after her chronic muscle weakness worsened. Her family was displaced after their home in northern Gaza was destroyed, and she now relies on a wheelchair.
Cancer patients are also facing serious difficulties. Shortages of essential medicines have interrupted treatment for some, while approvals for medical evacuation can take months.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, more than 1,600 patients have died while waiting for evacuation. At present, only around 20 patients are being transferred out of Gaza each day.
The ministry says that among the more than 20,000 people awaiting evacuation are 194 life-threatening cases, around 2,000 other emergency cases and more than 5,000 children.
According to CCTV+, restricted access to treatment outside Gaza and shortages of medical resources continue to place heavy pressure on the enclave's healthcare system.
