The Israeli government has decided not to send approximately two dozen Palestinian patients currently receiving medical treatment in East Jerusalem and Tel Aviv hospitals back to Gaza until a ruling is made by Israel's Supreme Court. This decision was communicated in a letter submitted to the Supreme Court by the Israeli State Attorney’s Office.
The state attorney’s office has requested a 30-day extension to prepare its response to a complaint lodged by a coalition of Israeli human rights organizations on behalf of some of the patients. The complaint seeks to prevent the Israeli government from deporting the patients during this period.
In response to the petition, the Israeli Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction on Wednesday to halt the transfer of the patients until the government provides its response.
The government has assured that none of the patients will be sent back to Gaza, except for those who explicitly request in writing, through their legal representatives, to return to the Gaza Strip.
The human rights groups took action following reports that surfaced regarding the patients, which include mothers and infants in need of medical care.
