SAFA-  A human rights group has reported a significant rise in death toll among cancer patients in the Gaza Strip, urging urgent international action as the enclave’s healthcare system approaches collapse under the strain of the ongoing Israeli offensive and blockade.

The Gaza Center for Human Rights said in a statement that it is monitoring an unprecedented rise in mortality rates among cancer patients, amid the suspension of chemotherapy and radiotherapy services and ongoing Israeli restrictions on patients seeking treatment abroad.

Citing remarks by Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, the organization reported that between four and five cancer patients are dying each day due to lack of access to chemotherapy. 

It estimated that approximately 4,000 patients are currently at risk of death as a result of unavailable treatment.

The statement also highlighted severe shortages in the health sector, noting that more than 50% of essential medicines are out of stock and over 70% of critical medical supplies are unavailable.

According to data referenced from the World Health Organization through December 2025, around 12,500 cancer patients are living in Gaza, with more than 2,000 new cases diagnosed annually, including 122 among children. 

Intravenous chemotherapy sessions and routine medical follow-ups have largely ceased since mid-2025, the group said.

The organization reported that at least 1,400 patients have died while awaiting permits to leave Gaza for treatment, while thousands more remain on referral lists pending approval to travel for life-saving care.

It said these figures reflect only part of the daily hardships faced by patients and their families, citing cases of worsening health conditions due to treatment delays and shortages of medicines, pain relief, and basic healthcare services.

The organization argued that denying cancer patients access to treatment constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law, including obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention, which requires the provision of medical care to civilians.

 It also described the situation as a breach of the right to health as enshrined in international human rights treaties.

The organization warned that the continued deprivation of treatment, despite awareness of its life-threatening consequences, could amount to a war crime.

It called on the international community to take urgent measures, including reopening crossings for the entry of chemotherapy drugs and medical supplies, facilitating patient travel without restrictions, and establishing an international mechanism to oversee medical evacuations.

The center also urged the United Nations and international health organizations to provide immediate support to oncology departments in Gaza hospitals.

Warning of further deterioration, the organization stressed that without swift international action, the number of deaths among cancer patients is likely to rise, underscoring the urgent need to ensure uninterrupted access to treatment and care.