WHO suspends medical evacuations from Gaza after one of its staff members was killed

The World Health Organization announced an immediate decision to suspend all medical evacuation activities for patients and injured individuals from the Gaza Strip to the Arab Republic of Egypt via the Rafah land crossing. The organization clarified that this measure will remain in effect until further notice, and comes in response to the deteriorating security conditions that have affected its field staff.

This decision followed a serious security incident on Monday, which resulted in the killing of one of the contracted personnel with the international organization providing vital services within the Strip. The Director-General of the organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed that the institution is in a state of shock due to this targeting, which threatens the continuity of humanitarian work in the region.

Reports issued by the organization stated that two of its permanent employees were present at the scene of the incident when it occurred, but they did not suffer any physical injuries. Ghebreyesus stressed in his statements that the organization highly values the efforts of its colleagues who continue to work under extremely dangerous conditions to ensure the delivery of healthcare to the besieged population.

The health sector in Gaza is suffering from a near-total collapse due to the ongoing Israeli aggression, making medical evacuations an urgent necessity to save the lives of the injured, cancer patients, and those with chronic conditions. The Rafah crossing is the only remaining lifeline not under direct occupation control on its land borders with the outside world, despite the imposed restrictions.

It is worth noting that Israeli occupation forces had tightened their grip on the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing during their military offensive in May 2024. Since that date, the crossing has been subject to a near-permanent closure, which has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis and prevented thousands of injured people from traveling to receive necessary treatment abroad.

In conclusion of its statement, the World Health Organization reiterated its demand for the necessity of providing full protection for civilians and workers in the relief and medical sectors in accordance with international laws. Sources indicated that the suspension of evacuations will increase the suffering of hundreds of critical cases awaiting their turn to leave, in the absence of alternative treatments within the dilapidated hospitals in the Strip.

Peace is the best medicine, and we call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers who risk their lives to provide care.