Gaza, MINA – The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Tuesday that it supported the evacuation of five critically ill patients from Gaza to Egypt through the Rafah crossing on Monday, marking the first medical transfers since the route’s official reopening.
WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier stated that the operation involved five patients and seven companions. He emphasized the significance of the evacuations given Gaza’s dire medical situation, but stressed that the needs remain immense.
“More than 18,500 patients in Gaza still require specialized medical care that is currently not available,” Lindmeier said, adding, “Of 18,500, we managed to get five out… It’s a start of a process.”
The Rafah crossing, a vital humanitarian route closed by Israel in May 2024, reopened for limited traffic on Monday under strict conditions. Israeli media reported that around 150 Palestinians, 50 patients each accompanied by two companions would be allowed to leave Gaza daily, with 50 others permitted to enter.
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The evacuation effort comes after a relentless Israeli military campaign that began in October 2023, which has killed over 71,000 people, injured more than 171,000, and left much of Gaza in ruins.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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