‘We just sit and cry’: Gaza’s cancer patients die waiting for treatment

Al JazeeraCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete by Mohammad Mansour,Tareq Abu AzzoumJanuary 9, 2026 at 06:28 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Since the start of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023, cancer-related deaths have reportedly tripled due to restricted access to treatment. Approximately 11,000 cancer patients are stranded in Gaza, unable to leave for treatment abroad or receive adequate care within the enclave. The Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, Gaza's only specialized oncology facility, was destroyed, forcing doctors to operate in makeshift clinics lacking essential equipment and chemotherapy drugs. Despite ceasefire agreements, critical medical supplies remain blocked from entering Gaza. Doctors report a complete collapse of the healthcare system, leaving cancer patients with little to no chance of survival.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Khan Younis 30% Jerusalem 40% West Bank 40% Nasser Medical Complex 40% Al Jazeera ×250% Gaza Cancer Centre 50% Tareq Abu Azzoum ×250% Mohammed Abu Nada ×260% Hani Naim ×260% Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital 70% Israel ×280% Gaza Strip ×690%

Keywords

gaza 100% cancer patients 90% treatment 80% israeli restrictions 70% healthcare system collapse 70% chemotherapy 60% medical supplies 50% radiotherapy 50% war 40%