The World Health Organization (WHO) has facilitated the medical evacuation of 41 critical patients and 145 companions from Gaza, marking the first such operation since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on October 10. This effort is a crucial step in addressing the dire medical needs of the enclave’s population, which has been severely impacted by a two‑year‑long conflict that has caused over 68,000 Palestinian casualties, mostly civilians.
Many of the evacuated patients suffer from injuries sustained during the fighting, while others have chronic conditions such as cancer and heart disease that the local healthcare system cannot manage. The WHO estimates that around 15,000 patients are still awaiting approval to receive medical care outside of Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for continued support. The organization has reiterated its call for countries to demonstrate solidarity and for all routes to be opened to expedite medical evacuations.
The Rafah crossing, previously used for patient transfers via Egypt, remains closed because Israel questions Hamas’s compliance with the current hostage‑release and ceasefire agreement. Hamas has yet to return the bodies of 13 hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023, invasion and massacre in southern Israel. The closure has significant implications: medical groups and Palestinian authorities report that hundreds of patients have died while waiting for treatment.
Since the WHO assumed management of the evacuation process last year, 740 individuals—including 137 children—on the waiting list have died since July 2024. The Israeli military’s COGAT unit, which oversees aid flows into Gaza, says that approvals for medical evacuations are subject to security checks.
As the situation unfolds, a comprehensive and sustainable solution to Gaza’s medical crisis remains a pressing concern. The international community’s response will be crucial in preventing further loss of life and alleviating the suffering of the affected population.
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