Thousands of Gaza Children Face Delays in Life-Saving Medical Evacuations

UN agencies report critical shortages of care and prolonged Israeli approval processes, leaving many children at risk of death or severe disability.

At least 2,500 children in Gaza require immediate medical evacuation for war injuries or chronic illnesses, according to UNICEF.
The World Health Organization estimates it could take 5 to 10 years to clear the backlog of over 14,000 patients needing urgent treatment outside Gaza.
Israel's military approval process for evacuations has slowed significantly, with fewer than two patients evacuated daily since May 2024.
Gaza's health system has been decimated by the ongoing conflict, with only 17 of 36 hospitals partially operational and critical medical supplies running out.
Humanitarian groups criticize Israel's rejection of many evacuation requests on vague or unexplained security grounds, leaving children at risk of death or severe complications.