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WHO Halts Gaza Medical Evacuations After Contractor Killed in Security Incident

The World Health Organization has suspended all medical evacuations of patients from Gaza to Egypt following a security incident that resulted in the death of a contracted worker. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed the fatality, noting two other WHO staff were present but uninjured. The suspension halts a critical lifeline for patients needing specialized treatment unavailable in Gaza's collapsed health system. This occurs amid reports that over 1,700 healthcare workers have been killed in Gaza since the conflict escalated in October 2023.

Key Points: WHO Suspends Gaza Medical Evacuations After Worker Killed

  • WHO suspends medical evacuations via Rafah
  • Contract worker killed in security incident
  • Two WHO staff present but unharmed
  • Over 1,700 healthcare workers killed in Gaza since Oct 2023
  • Incident under investigation by authorities
2 min read

WHO suspends Gaza medical evacuation after contract worker killed in "security incident"

WHO suspends patient evacuations from Gaza after a contracted worker is killed in a security incident. Over 1,700 healthcare workers have been killed since October.

"We are deeply grateful to our colleagues who work day and night despite the risks... - Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus"

Geneva, April 7

The World Health Organisation suspended medical evacuation from Gaza after a person who was contracted to provide services to the UN agency was killed during a "security incident", said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a statement, said that WHO is "devastated to confirm" the death of the worker. He added that two WHO staff members were present at the incident site but were not injured.

"Following the incident, the WHO suspended today's medical evacuation of patients from Gaza via Rafah to Egypt. Medical evacuations will remain suspended until further notice," he said.

The incident is under investigation by the relevant authorities.

"We are deeply grateful to our colleagues who work day and night despite the risks to ensure that the people of Gaza can access the health care they need. We call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers. Peace is the best medicine," Ghebreyesus

Al Jazeera, citing Gaza's Ministry of Health, reported that more than 1,700 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and paramedics, have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.

Gaza medical evacuation refers to the coordinated process of transferring severely ill or injured patients out of the Gaza Strip for life-saving, specialised treatment that is currently unavailable due to the near-complete collapse of the local healthcare system.

Earlier, Al Jazeera reported that an Israeli air strike killed at least 10 people and left several others injured near a school housing displaced Palestinians in central Gaza,

"At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured, including six in critical condition, by Israeli shelling and clashes east of Maghazi refugee camp," the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said in a statement.

In the midst of the clashes, Israeli drones fired two missiles, killing at least 10 people and wounding several others, the witnesses added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A very tragic situation. While our focus is often on our own region's conflicts, we must remember the immense human suffering elsewhere. Humanitarian workers are not targets. "Peace is the best medicine" – that line from the WHO chief really hits home.
D
David E
The complete collapse of a healthcare system is a man-made disaster. It's chilling to read. The international community, including major powers, has failed to protect these corridors. This isn't about taking sides; it's about basic humanity.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, while the incident is tragic, the article seems to place blame indirectly. The "security incident" is under investigation, but the report immediately follows with details of an Israeli strike. Shouldn't we wait for the investigation results before linking events? Clarity is important.
S
Shreya B
As an Indian, seeing healthcare workers targeted is especially painful. We know the value of our doctors and nurses. Those 1,700 souls lost represent generations of knowledge and care wiped out. My prayers are with the families. 🙏
M
Michael C
The suspension is a necessary but devastating step by WHO. You can't ask your staff to operate in an environment where contracted workers are being killed. The real failure lies with the parties to the conflict who are not ensuring safe humanitarian passage.

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