Israel has banned qualified doctors from entering the Gaza Strip to offer their services at local hospitals, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Since August, requests from eight organizations seeking to send more than 50 qualified doctors have been rejected due to the blockade imposed by Israel on the Palestinian enclave, the WHO reported on Thursday.

These specialists aimed to provide essential medical care and psychological support to health workers who are struggling to meet the increased demand in the few hospitals still operating in Gaza.

CNN reported that one of the organizations affected by this ban is the Palestinian American Medical Association (PANA), which works to provide medical services to Palestinians in need.

According to the WHO, this is the first instance in which Israel has denied organizations the opportunity to participate in aid efforts for the population of the Gaza Strip. The WHO has urged the Israeli government to allow unrestricted access for aid groups to the region.