WHO evacuates 41 critical patients from Gaza after ceasefire

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday that it has completed the first medical evacuation from the Gaza Strip following the implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on October 10. The operation resulted in the transfer of 41 patients in critical condition out of the territory.

Urgent Need for Medical Transfers

In a statement on social media platform X, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed the evacuation, noting it restarts vital medical transfers that had been halted for months during the intense conflict. He emphasized that this is a critical step, but only a small one in addressing a massive need.

Thousands Awaiting Lifesaving Care

The WHO chief further highlighted a staggering backlog, stating that around 15,000 patients are still awaiting approval for medical care outside Gaza. Many of these individuals require urgent treatments and surgeries that are no longer available within Gaza's heavily damaged healthcare infrastructure, creating a dire humanitarian situation.

Call for International Solidarity

Reiterating the scale of the challenge, Tedros called for increased international solidarity. "We continue to call on countries to show their solidarity and for all routes to be opened to expedite the medical evacuation," he said. This appeal underscores the pressing need for global cooperation to prevent further loss of life in the enclave.