United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has once again called on Israel to allow the swift and unhindered exit of the injured and sick from Gaza for medical treatment and humanitarian aid. Restrictions at the Rafah border crossing continue despite an escalating health crisis in the territory.
Speaking at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Guterres emphasized that humanitarian aid must be permitted to enter Gaza through all available routes, including Rafah, without delay or obstruction.
On the same day, hundreds of Palestinians gathered at the Rafah crossing hoping to access medical care abroad. However, only 16 were allowed to enter Egypt—far below Israel’s previously announced daily quota of 50 crossings in each direction.
Aid agencies reported that no clear reason was provided for the delays, and individuals attempting to cross have been forced to leave personal belongings behind. The Rafah crossing, partially reopened after nearly two years of closure, remains the main route for urgent medical evacuations. Approximately 20,000 Palestinians in Gaza are currently awaiting critical medical care abroad.
The health system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse, with most hospitals and medical infrastructure damaged or destroyed by ongoing Israeli strikes. Gaza health authorities reported that a 19-year-old Palestinian was killed near Khan Yunis by Israeli shelling. Since the so-called ceasefire took effect in mid-October, the number of Palestinians killed in renewed attacks has surpassed 500.