The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing to conduct a significant medical evacuation from Gaza, providing essential relief to a region severely affected by ongoing conflict. More than 100 critically ill or injured patients are anticipated to be transferred out of Gaza on Wednesday. It represents one of the largest evacuations since last year. The plan includes the evacuation of 113 patients, with the majority heading to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while others will receive specialized care in Romania.
Rik Peeperkorn is the WHO’s representative in the Palestinian territories. He expressed hope for the mission’s success. It highlights the extensive coordination required to move patients from hospitals in Gaza to the Gaza European Hospital near Khan Younis. Early Wednesday, these patients will be taken to the Kerem Shalom crossing for air transfer.
This urgent evacuation highlights the critical medical situation in Gaza, where approximately 14,000 individuals are reportedly waiting for medical evacuation. Many of them suffered from war-related trauma and serious illnesses such as cancer. The ongoing conflict has put tremendous pressure on Gaza’s healthcare system, leading to a backlog of patients in urgent need of care.
Peeperkorn stressed the importance of consistent and safe access for medical evacuations. It advocated for the creation of secure medical corridors, especially between Gaza and East Jerusalem and through Egypt. He voiced concerns about the limited and irregular access for these vital evacuations, urging the international community to help establish a more stable route for humanitarian aid.
In the meantime, the conflict continues to take lives. At least 13 people were killed in Israeli air strikes overnight, including residents of temporary shelters for displaced Palestinians. The latest air strikes have targeted various areas across Gaza. Israeli forces maintain their offensive in northern Gaza, resulting in hundreds of casualties since military operations began last month.
