WHO Facilitates Large-Scale Medical Evacuation from Gaza Amid Health Crisis

The WHO announced the evacuation of 97 individuals, including many children, from Gaza to the UAE for medical treatment amid the crippling health infrastructure due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The initiative underscores the urgent need for regular medical transfers, with over 10,000 Gazans still awaiting assistance.

The World Health Organization announced Thursday a significant medical evacuation of 97 individuals, including many children, from Gaza to the United Arab Emirates for essential treatment. The organization's appeal for regular medical transfers highlights the dire conditions in Gaza's health system, severely impacted by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Approximately 17 out of Gaza's 36 hospitals are partially functioning as per WHO estimates. The primary route for medical transfers to Egypt via the Rafah crossing has remained shut since May due to intensified Israeli military actions in southern Gaza. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative for the occupied Palestinian territory, noted that this was the most extensive evacuation since October 2023.

The evacuees, including cancer, kidney disease, and trauma patients, were transported by road and air from Israel's Ramon airport. Peeperkorn stressed the need for organized and sustainable medical corridors, noting over 10,000 residents await transfer. The WHO also reported that over 500,000 children had been vaccinated against polio, marking the first outbreak in Gaza in 25 years.

(With inputs from agencies.)