Sick Palestinian child dies in Gaza as Israel blocks thousands from medical exit through Rafah

 

 

A Palestinian boy has died after waiting 14 months for Israeli authorities to allow his medical evacuation from Gaza, despite having approved papers. Nidal Abu Rabeea suffered from organ failure and required urgent treatment abroad, but Israel blocked his departure even after granting rare permission. Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel pledged to allow 50 critically ill patients to leave daily through the Rafah crossing, but only a handful have been permitted to exit since October. Nidal's mother is calling on Israel, international organisations and human rights groups to prevent further deaths caused by the restrictions on medical evacuations.