WHO suspends Gaza medical evacuations after contractor killed in 'security incident'

The World Health Organization (WHO) suspended medical evacuations from the Gaza Strip after a contracted worker was killed, as the UN warned against statements suggesting collective punishment of civilians. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said late Monday that the agency was "devastated" to confirm that a contractor was killed during a "security incident" in Gaza, adding that two staff members present were not injured.

Suspension

"Following the incident, WHO suspended today's medical evacuation of patients from Gaza via Rafah to Egypt. Medical evacuations will remain suspended until further notice," he wrote on X, noting that the case is under investigation by "relevant authorities." UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters Tuesday that the incident is under investigation and called for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.

Attacks on health care

Since March 2, the World Health Organization has recorded 100 attacks on health care facilities, resulting in 54 deaths and 145 injuries among active health care workers, according to Dujarric. "These incidents put front line workers at extreme risk and discourage people from seeking care that has obviously serious consequences for public health," he said.

Gaza humanitarian crisis

The suspension comes as Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis following two years of war that have destroyed 90% of civilian infrastructure. Approximately 22,000 wounded and sick patients need evacuation for treatment abroad. Israel has continued daily ceasefire violations, with Gaza's Health Ministry reporting 733 Palestinians killed since the October 2025 truce.