Ahmed is 39 years old and from the Gaza Strip. He was diagnosed with cancer in his right parotid gland in 2013, receiving surgery and treatment in Egypt. In 2016, doctors found a recurrence of his cancer and he had further surgery in 2017 at Assuta Hospital in Tel Aviv. There, Ahmed received medicines, radiotherapy and chemotherapy to increase the chances of being successfully treated and since then has needed regular follow up, including medical imaging (PET scans) not available in the Gaza Strip.

In July 2021, doctors at Assuta Hospital found that Ahmed’s cancer had spread to his lungs. He was treated with further radiotherapy and scheduled for follow up PET scans at 6 months and at 1 year.

“I lost two hospital appointments in May and July. Doctors told me that follow up is critical in my case. I need a PET scan to look for nodules on the lung. Then I would need to see an oncologist and an ear, nose and throat specialist.”

Ahmed had an appointment scheduled for 23 August, but was notified that his application was under study.

“For me, as a young person and a father of three young children, my health means everything. It means my ability to work, my ability to make an income, my ability to support my family and to support my children as they grow up and become independent.”

In July alone, nearly 2,000 patients from across the occupied Palestinian territory were prevented from accessing essential health care because of the delay and denial of permits by Israel.

Health is a fundamental right. Arbitrary delay and denial of access for Palestinian patients must end. We should all have unhindered access to the health care we need.