UN calls on more countries to accept patients from Gaza as Rafah reopens

UN humanitarians on Monday called on more countries to accept patients from Gaza as the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopens.



The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said civilians must be allowed to leave and return voluntarily and safely, as international law requires, adding that ultimately essential humanitarian supplies must enter in sufficient quantities and with fewer restrictions through Rafah and other crossings.



OCHA said that more than 18,500 patients, including 4,000 children, await medical evacuation from Gaza for treatment that is not available locally. The most effective option would be to resume referrals to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and rehabilitate damaged health facilities in Gaza.



"Until that happens, OCHA calls on member states to accept more patients so that everyone receives the treatment that they need," the office said.