Israel kills two in Gaza, blocks thousands from medical exit through Rafah

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffFebruary 18, 2026 at 02:27 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Israeli fire killed two Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, one a child in the north and a 20-year-old man near Khan Younis. The incidents occurred amidst an ongoing Israeli blockade that severely restricts medical evacuations through the Rafah crossing to Egypt. According to the UN, only 260 out of 18,500 Gazans in urgent need of medical care have been allowed to leave since the crossing partially reopened two and a half weeks prior. The limited openings fall far short of promised numbers, leaving thousands stranded. Since mid-October, over 600 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,600 wounded, despite a supposed ceasefire.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Palestinian Ministry of Health 35% Khan Younis 35% Muhand Jamal al-Najjar 40% Al Jazeera ×240% UN 50% Egypt ×260% Rafah crossing ×275% Palestinians ×685% Israel ×690% Gaza Strip ×395%

Keywords

gaza strip 100% rafah crossing 90% israeli fire 90% medical care 80% palestinians killed 70% blockade 70% humanitarian crisis 60% united nations 50% ceasefire violations 50%