In brief
Israel’s Supreme Court has compelled the government to explain the lack of a systematic approach to evacuating non-combatant patients from Gaza, following the Rafah crossing closure.
In response to a petition by Israeli human rights organizations, Israel’s Supreme Court has mandated the government to clarify its ineffective system for medical evacuations from Gaza. The petition arose after the closure of the Rafah border with Egypt, which stalled evacuations during ongoing military actions. Prior to the closure, around 50 patients were evacuated daily. Attorney Adi Lustigman from Physicians for Human Rights Israel emphasized the need for a transparent process, highlighting cases where critically ill patients are denied, while others with lesser need are approved. The call is for a humanitarian evacuation approach, enabling patients to seek treatment internationally, as Israel cites security concerns for not treating them locally. Despite public opposition in Israel, the petition requests a humane approach to granting medical evacuations.
