A group of critically ill Palestinians and their relatives departed Gaza through the Rafah crossing on Wednesday as increasing numbers of wounded civilians continue to seek urgent medical care abroad amid the ongoing genocidal war.

Health officials in Gaza said 24 patients were permitted to leave the territory alongside 45 accompanying family members in order to continue treatment outside the enclave. The departures come as hospitals across Gaza remain overwhelmed by shortages of medicine, damaged facilities and the growing number of casualties requiring specialised care unavailable locally.

Medical authorities stated that teams responsible for patient transfers are continuing efforts to coordinate evacuations and process urgent cases with regional authorities. However, thousands of injured and chronically ill Palestinians are still awaiting approval to travel, many facing worsening health conditions after months of restricted access to treatment.

Doctors and humanitarian workers have repeatedly warned that delays in medical evacuations are placing vulnerable patients at severe risk, particularly children, cancer patients and those suffering life-threatening injuries caused during the genocidal war. Gaza’s Health Ministry has called for faster procedures to ensure patients receive timely treatment and preserve what officials describe as their basic right to healthcare and survival.