WHO Conducts First Medical Evacuation from Gaza Since Ceasefire
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday that it carried out the first medical evacuation from Gaza since the took effect on October 10. A total of 41 critically ill patients, accompanied by 145 relatives, were transferred out of the enclave.
“WHO led today medical evacuation of 41 critical patients and 145 companions out of Gaza – first since the ceasefire.” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement posted on social media.
Despite this operation, approximately 15,000 patients remain in urgent need of medical care, waiting for approval to leave Gaza. Many require treatments for severe injuries or chronic conditions such as cancer and heart disease—services that local health facilities, damaged by months of conflict, cannot provide.
“We continue to call on countries to show their solidarity and for all routes to be opened to expedite the medical evacuation,” Tedros added.
The closure of the Rafah border crossing, a key route for medical evacuations, continues to hinder efforts to reach patients in need. The WHO has reiterated its call for all possible routes to be opened to ensure timely access to medical care and to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
