Gazan cancer patient dies after being delayed entry into Israel for 10 days

Only yesterday, 10 days later, was Abu Taha's entry to Israel arranged. The Palestinian ambulance carrying him waited at the checkpoint for five hours before being allowed to cross. Today, the family was informed that Abu Taha died a few hours after he crossed into Israel , although they have not yet received any specific details on his death. The father was released from detention following his son's death.

Mahmoud Abu Taha at the European Hospital in Gaza. Photo: Muhammad Sabah , B'Tselem.

The health system in the Gaza Strip is able to supply only limited services and due to Israel 's siege policy, the quality of treatment provided is steadily declining. As of June 2007, Israel has forbidden Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip to go abroad, even to receive medical treatment. The only possibility remaining to sick people who need treatment that is unavailable in the Gaza Strip is to seek treatment in Israel . However, only a small number of entry permits are given and only following a lengthy process.