GAZA STRIP — Hamas officials are being accused of accepting bribes to place healthy individuals on emergency medical evacuation lists from Gaza, according to a July 3, 2026, report. The report cited unproven testimonies from Gazans who have ill or injured family members.

The report alleged that some healthy Gazans secured evacuation by obtaining forged medical documents claiming severe injury or illness. Testimonies cited indicated that some genuinely sick patients were moved up the evacuation queue following bribes paid to Hamas officials. Health authorities in Gaza operate under the administration of Hamas.

Ramzi Herzallah, a Gazan civilian residing in Belgium, stated he discovered that healthy individuals were being evacuated using forged medical reports instead of actual patients. Herzallah previously organized protests at Al-Shifa Hospital and Nasser Hospital. "I promised myself that I would speak out and expose the corruption of health officials in Gaza who accept money in exchange for prioritizing certain names," Herzallah said.

Ahmad Ghanim, a Gaza City resident, described his experience regarding medical evacuations. "My mother spent most of her treatment lying in a miserable corridor… I was forced to buy the simplest intravenous and muscular painkillers with my own money, even though the Ministry of Health is supposed to provide them," Ghanim said. He reported finding that an individual he described as an "influencer" departed for treatment abroad via a medical referral from a Ministry of Health doctor. "And today, after everything that has happened, I am shocked to find that one of those who falsely call themselves an 'influencer' left for treatment abroad via a medical referral written by a doctor in the Ministry of Health itself," Ghanim said. "And for what ailment? Just a kidney stone! This 'influencer,' who raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, left unjustly, taking my mother's spot – and perhaps the spot of another patient who is dying."

Dr. Mohammed Abu Selmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, addressed a crowd at a protest at the hospital complex. "I am aware of the extent of the pain you are feeling and the tragedy that the patients' families are living through … my office door is open at any time," Abu Selmiya said. He did not discuss bribery with the protesters. "However, you are all aware that the issue of medical referrals is extremely complex; more than 20,000 patients are in need of them, while the Israeli side approves only approximately 20 per day," he said. "It is unreasonable that only dozens are allowed to leave; it is ineffective." "A meeting is currently underway with the World Health Organization regarding this issue: either they increase the number of patients allowed to evacuate, or the medical evacuation program should be canceled entirely."

The World Health Organization states it does not influence the prioritization of patients for medical evacuation, and its role is limited to coordination and logistical support to ensure safe transfer. Medical evacuations are under the direction of the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health. In response to the allegations of corruption, the Hamas Health Ministry announced it would establish a committee to verify medical cases.

Why It Matters

The allegations involve claims of bribery regarding medical evacuations from Gaza. The report stated that more than 20,000 patients need medical help abroad, and that 11,500 wounded individuals were evacuated. The Hamas Health Ministry's decision to form a committee to verify medical cases follows the allegations.