Thread by @alhaq_org

🧵 The alleged “opening” of the #Rafah crossing must be understood as a component of Israel’s ongoing genocide in #Gaza: despite claims of humanitarian access, only 5 critically ill Palestinians were allowed to leave Gaza through Rafah (@WHO)& only 12 were allowed to return. /1

Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports that approximately 20,000 Palestinians require medical evacuation, inc. 440 critical cases.
🔴 They estimate it would take years to evacuate them if the crossing continues to operate at this rate & 10 critically ill people will die every day./2

Even if the reported 50 patients/day, only on foot, were permitted by Israel to evacuate, it would still take 400 days to evacuate all those currently in need of medical attention. /3
🔗 palestine.un.org/en/309353-gaza…

Through bombardment, siege & the destruction of civilian infrastructure, Israel has caused mass injury & illness in Gaza while deliberately dismantling the healthcare system needed to treat both the wounded & those with critical conditions, inc. cancer & dialysis patients. /4

Taken together, Israel has caused mass injury and illness through its ongoing genocide, destroyed the medical system capable of treating those affected, and then severely restricted access to urgent medical care outside Gaza. /5

Destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system & attacks on infrastructure as Palestinians endure winter in tents, constitutes the deliberate infliction of conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction & serious bodily & mental harm (Art. II, Genocide Convention)./6

At the same time, return is deliberately obstructed. Those who leave for life-saving treatment risk permanent displacement, while those blocked from leaving are left to die. These measures perpetuate the genocidal conditions of life and forcible transfer in an ongoing #Nakba. /7