Closure of Rafah crossing threatening lives of hundreds of patients

The Egyptian closure of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza Strip is threatening the lives of hundreds of seriously-ill patients, Maher Abu Sabha, the director of borders and crossings in Gaza, said on Sunday.

Abu Sabha said in a radio statement that more than 6,000 passengers had registered with the interior ministry wishing to travel via the Rafah crossing, which has been closed for 32 days.

He underlined that hundreds of cancer patients and other chronic diseases were among those registering for travel for treatment abroad in view of the lack of treatment in Gaza Strip that has been under siege for eight years.

Moreover, hundreds of students and holders of resident permits abroad have also registered for travel via Rafah crossing and their future is in jeopardy as a result of delaying their travel, Abu Sabha warned.

The director of crossings renewed his demand for permanent opening of the Rafah crossing, the only outlet for Gaza people to the outside world, to alleviate the suffering of the Gaza inhabitants.

The Egyptian authorities declared opening the crossing on Sunday only for the return of pilgrims.