Report: Katz orders closure of Rafah crossing for Gaza patients

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt to remain closed, preventing Palestinian patients from leaving the enclave for medical treatment abroad as part of efforts to pressure Hamas, according to Israeli media reports.

Around 3,500 people have left the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing with Egypt since the ceasefire came into effect in January, including more than 2,000 people requiring medical treatment, according to the UN.