Gaza child dies after Israel blocks medical evacuation

In Gaza, a Palestinian boy named Nidal Abu Rabeea died on February 23, 2026, after a 14-month wait for Israeli permission to evacuate for medical treatment. Despite having obtained the necessary clearance, the evacuation was reportedly blocked by Israel. The incident highlights the challenges faced by Palestinians in Gaza seeking urgent medical care outside of the territory. According to the report, thousands of Palestinians are currently unable to access critical medical treatment due to restrictions at the partially reopened Rafah crossing. The reason for the denial of Abu Rabeea's evacuation was not specified in the report.