Gaza Cancer Patients Face Rising Death Rates Amid Healthcare Collapse

Cancer patients in Gaza are dying at two to three times the rate seen before the war, according to Gaza doctors. The increase in deaths is attributed to the destruction of the only local specialized cancer facility and restrictions on traveling for treatment. An estimated 17,000 Gazans with cancer currently have no local access to chemotherapy or advanced therapy. Mohamed Abu Selmia, head of Al Shifa hospital, reported three to five deaths daily, while pre war statistics estimated one to two deaths per day.

Israeli forces demolished the Turkish Palestinian Friendship Hospital in March 2025, stating that troops found a Hamas tunnel beneath the facility. Doctors report that remaining operational hospitals lack up to 70 percent of essential medical supplies. Palestinian health officials state that 20,000 patients, including 5,000 with cancer, are registered for treatment abroad but have not been permitted to leave.

COGAT, the Israeli military agency controlling access, stated that medical evacuations are not restricted by Israel but depend on requests from receiving countries and required security screenings. COGAT reported that approximately 5,800 patients have exited to Egypt since February. Palestinian officials countered that only 11,000 people total have passed through the Rafah crossing since it reopened, which is fewer than half the number expected under the ceasefire deal.

Outlets with different political leanings frame these events differently. A center leaning source focuses on the logistical and medical crisis, detailing the specific death rates and the conflict between COGAT and Palestinian health officials. A left leaning source frames the situation as a conscious Israeli policy of destroying Palestinian healthcare that is supported by the Israeli Jewish public.