GAZA, February 4, 2026 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation authorities prevented patients and wounded individuals from traveling through the Rafah border crossing in southern Gaza on Wednesday, after the World Health Organization (WHO) informed them of the cancellation of the third group's travel arrangements.

Raed al-Nims, spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, told WAFA that the WHO office notified them of the cancellation, despite all procedures being completed and the patients being prepared at the Red Crescent Hospital in Khan Younis. This came as a surprise to the relevant authorities and the patients themselves.

He added that since the crossing reopened on Monday, only 50 patients and wounded individuals, including their companions, have left. Seven patients and their companions left on the first day, and 16 more left on the second day, all within a 48-hour period.

Al-Nims pointed out that this cancellation comes within the context of the occupation's procrastination and obstruction of patients' travel, despite the urgent need for treatment outside the Gaza Strip, noting that approximately 18,500 patients and wounded individuals require treatment abroad.

K.T