Gaza's sick, wounded await open border crossing

But even when Rafah reopens, the wait will continue for many seeking treatment.

- BY WAFAA SHURAFA AND SAMY MAGDY

ABDEL KAREEM HANA Associated Press

ISLAM Saleh, who was injured in an Israeli strike in Gaza, holds medical reports.

Rimas Abu Lehia was wounded five months ago when Israeli troops opened fire toward hungry Palestinians mobbing a food aid truck in Gaza and a bullet shattered the 15-year-old girl’s left knee.

Now her best chance of walking again is surgery abroad. She is on a list of more than 20,000 Palestinians, including 4,500 children, who have been waiting — some more than a year — for evacuation to get treatment for war wounds or chronic medical conditions, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Their hopes hinge on the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, a key point under the nearly 4-month-old ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israel has announced the crossing will open in both directions on Sunday.

The Israeli military body in charge of coordinating aid to Gaza said Friday that “limited movement of people only” would be allowed. Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said Israel will allow 50 patients a day to leave; others have spoken of up to 150 a day.

That’s a large jump from about 25 patients a week allowed to leave since the ceasefire began Oct. 10, according to United Nations figures. But it would take 130 to 400 days of crossings to move out everyone in need.

Abu Lehia said her life depends on the crossing opening. "I wish I didn’t have to sit in this chair,” she said, crying as she pointed at the wheelchair she relies on to move. “I need help to stand, to dress, to go to the bathroom.”

Gaza hospitals are decimated

Israel's campaign in Gaza after the Hamas-led October 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war has decimated the territory's health sector. The few hospitals still working were overwhelmed by casualties. There are shortages of medical supplies and Israel has restricted aid entry.