GENEVA, Apr 7: The World Health Organization (WHO) has paused all medical evacuations from Gaza after one of its contract workers was killed in a security incident. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the suspension, saying patient transfers will remain halted until further notice.
Medical evacuations through the Rafah crossing into Egypt have been a lifeline for critically ill patients amid the ongoing conflict. The pause leaves many in urgent need of treatment stranded inside Gaza.
Tedros condemned the killing and called for the protection of civilians and humanitarian staff. He stressed that aid workers must be safeguarded to ensure life-saving operations can continue.
According to reports, more than 1,700 healthcare workers have lost their lives in Gaza since October 2023, underscoring the severe risks faced by medical teams in the region.
Humanitarian agencies have urged all parties to guarantee safe access for medical evacuations and to uphold international humanitarian law. The incident has intensified calls for a ceasefire and stronger protection of aid workers.
