MSF statement on Israeli authorities blocking medical evacuation of eight children injured in Gaza
On 10 November, Israeli authorities blocked, without explanation, the medical evacuation of eight children and their caretakers from Gaza who are in need of medical care, including a two-year-old with leg amputations, to the MSF hospital in Jordan. We strongly denounce this decision.
“It's utterly shocking and outrageous that children who need essential treatment are being blocked by Israel from leaving Gaza. Israel’s denial of urgent medical evacuations defies reason and humanity,” says Moeen Mahmood, MSF country director in Jordan.
In recent months, MSF applied for 32 children and caretakers to be medically evacuated from Gaza to Jordan. Only 6 were allowed to leave. Lengthy procedures and unexplained denials block the provision of medical treatment for children who have been severely injured in Gaza.
The healthcare system in Gaza has been dismantled, meaning those in need of specialised medical care have nowhere to go. According to WHO, there are at least 14,000 people in need of medical evacuation. Over 43,000 people have been killed in Gaza and 100,000 injured since 7 October 2023.
MSF calls on the Israeli authorities to ensure medical evacuations for Palestinians in need of medical care, including their caregivers, while ensuring that all patients and their caregivers are guaranteed a safe, voluntary and dignified return to Gaza.