350 children among thousands of Gaza cancer patients suffering from Israel blockade: rights group

Around 350 children with cancer in the besieged Gaza Strip are facing difficulties with their treatment due to the Israeli blockade, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) said Wednesday.

"Children with cancer in Gaza face a difficult and long journey with treatment, as a result of the practices of the Israeli occupation and due to the repercussions of [Palestinian] political division," PCHR said in the statement released to mark Childhood Cancer Day.

It warned that 9,000 cancer patients in Gaza – including 350 children – suffer from "catastrophic conditions due to the chronic shortage of medicines and treatment protocols."

Gaza, which has reeled from an illegal blockade ongoing for nearly 16 years, suffers from high rates of food insecurity, unsuitable drinking water, inadequate medical services and high rates of unemployment.

PCHR added that Israel "continues to impose restrictions on the supply of new medical devices and laboratory equipment needed to conduct cancer patients' examinations, in addition to the shortage of specialised medical staff."

Israel blocked 272 out of 1,000 permit requests submitted last year from Gaza residents to travel outside for treatment, which resulted in the death of three children, the human rights group said.

It was not clear if the permits were to travel elsewhere in Israel or the occupied Palestinian territories or to travel abroad. Gaza’s residents need Israeli permission to travel outside the territory.

PCHR also placed blame for the situation on Palestinian political factions.

"The continuation of the Palestinian political division contributed to a further deterioration in the level of health services provided by hospitals and medical centres for cancer patients in Gaza," it said.

The group called on the international community to pressure Israel into lifting restrictions that make it difficult for cancer patients to receive life-saving treatment.

It also asked for support from international health organisations for Gaza’s ailing health sector.