Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem has appealed to the United States to support the establishment of a humanitarian medical corridor to evacuate cancer patients from the Gaza Strip, including children, to Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem.

The request was made during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee at the Jerusalem Patriarchate's residence in the Old City, according to the Patriarchate's press service.

Patriarch Theophilos said the Church's mission is to "alleviate every human suffering," emphasizing that medical assistance for critically ill patients should remain above political disputes.

The proposed humanitarian corridor would enable patients who cannot receive adequate treatment in Gaza to be transferred to specialized medical facilities. Much of the enclave's healthcare infrastructure has been damaged or is operating under severe constraints because of the ongoing conflict. Many specialist departments have closed, while advanced medical equipment and essential medicines remain unavailable, forcing patients with cancer, severe injuries, congenital heart defects, and other complex conditions to seek treatment outside Gaza.

Medical evacuations from the territory are coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The process begins with an examination by doctors in Gaza, followed by a review by a medical committee. Patients must then obtain acceptance from a receiving country or medical institution, as well as travel authorization from Israeli authorities and, depending on the evacuation route, approval from Egyptian or Jordanian officials. Once all permissions have been secured, the WHO arranges transportation for the patient and an accompanying caregiver.

Humanitarian organizations, however, have repeatedly warned that the evacuation process remains too slow. According to Reuters, patients and wounded civilians staged a protest this week outside Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, calling for faster transfers for those requiring urgent treatment. Demonstrators said that prolonged delays—some exceeding a year—have left many patients waiting for cancer therapy, surgery, or prosthetic treatment, significantly reducing their chances of recovery.

In addition to discussing medical evacuations, Patriarch Theophilos raised concerns about the situation of Christian communities in the Holy Land during his meeting with the U.S. ambassador. He expressed concern over restrictions affecting clergy and pilgrims seeking access to Mount Tabor ahead of the Feast of the Transfiguration and also discussed issues related to the property rights of Christian churches in Jerusalem, including the recent seizure of Patriarchate-owned property and the application of municipal taxes to church-owned assets.