Gaza child dies waiting for Israeli permission to leave for treatment
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A Palestinian child died in Gaza while waiting for Israeli approval to leave for medical treatment, highlighting the ongoing healthcare crisis in the region. Despite having the necessary documents approved, Nidal Abu Rabeea was left stranded for over 14 months, ultimately succumbing to his condition at just two and a half years old. His mother, Iman Hamdouna, expressed her grief, stating that Israel’s closure of Rafah crossing directly contributed to her son’s death. This incident underscores the dire situation faced by thousands of Palestinians seeking urgent medical care, as Israel continues to restrict access through the partially reopened Rafah crossing.
The article details how Gaza’s medical infrastructure has been severely degraded due to Israeli restrictions and attacks. Hospitals in the region operate with critical shortages of equipment, medication, and personnel, leaving many patients without the necessary treatment. Since May 2024, over 1,360 Palestinians have died while waiting for medical evacuations. The Rafah crossing, the only gateway out of Gaza, has been subject to slow and restrictive approval processes under an October ceasefire agreement, which aimed to allow 50 patient evacuations daily but fell far short of this target.
The broader implications of this crisis extend beyond individual cases, raising concerns about human rights violations and the humanitarian impact on Gaza’s population. With thousands of patients in need of urgent care, including those with chronic illnesses like kidney disease, the situation has reached a critical point. The death of Nidal Abu Rabeea and his sister Rital, who remains in critical condition, serve as stark reminders of the suffering caused by Israel’s policies. This issue not only affects the lives of Palestinians but also draws international attention to the ongoing conflict and its devastating consequences for healthcare access in Gaza.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026