CAIRO/GAZA: Cancer patients in Gaza are dying at two to three times the pre-war rate as access to specialised treatment remains severely restricted following the destruction of the territory’s only dedicated cancer hospital and continuing barriers to medical evacuation, according to Palestinian doctors.
Medical officials say an estimated 17,000 cancer patients in Gaza are without local access to chemotherapy and other advanced treatments, while thousands remain on waiting lists for medical transfers abroad.
Why are cancer patients in Gaza facing higher mortality rates?
Doctors say the rise in cancer-related deaths is linked to the lack of specialised treatment facilities and delays in medical evacuations. Gaza’s only dedicated cancer hospital was destroyed in 2025 after Israel said the site contained a Hamas tunnel beneath it.
Palestinian health officials say around 20,000 patients, including 5,000 cancer patients, are awaiting permission to travel abroad for treatment. Israel’s military agency, COGAT, said medical departures require requests from receiving countries and security screening, maintaining that evacuations are coordinated with the World Health Organization.
What is the current state of Gaza’s healthcare system?
Health officials say most hospitals in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged during the conflict, while operational facilities face severe shortages of medicines, diagnostic equipment and essential medical supplies. Doctors report that up to 70% of critical medical supplies needed for cancer diagnosis and treatment are unavailable.
The continuing strain on Gaza’s healthcare system has left thousands of patients dependent on overseas treatment, with humanitarian agencies warning that delays in medical evacuations are increasing the risk of preventable deaths.