IN SUMMARY:

• More than 45% of patients unsuccessful in obtaining security permits from Israeli authorities: Of 1,858 patient applications for a permit to exit Gaza through Erez checkpoint for hospital appointments in September 2017, 55% were approved, 3% were denied, and 42% were delayed with no decision by the time of the patient’s hospital appointment. Among those delayed there were 140 children under the age of 18 years and 99 people aged 60 years or older.


• More than half of patient companions unsuccessful in obtaining permits to travel out of Gaza: Of 2,104 permit applications for patient companions to Israeli authorities in September 2017, 43% were approved, 4% were denied and 53% were delayed, with their application still pending by the time of the patient’s hospital appointment date.


• Security interrogation of patients: 24 patients (13 males; 11 females) were requested for interrogation by the General Security Services at Erez during September. Two were approved permits to travel for health care.


• Persistent challenges for Gaza patients seeking financial coverage for health referrals: 1,077 requests for financial coverage for Gaza patients were approved by the Services Purchasing Unit of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in September. This is 50% lower than the monthly average of the first quarter 2017 and 37% lower than the corresponding month in 2016.


• No access to Egypt: Rafah terminal was closed for exit. No medical aid and no medical delegates entered Gaza.


• Humanitarian workers access through Erez: Latest figures indicate that more than four in every five humanitarian workers in Gaza unsuccessful in securing permits to exit the Strip