The World Health Organization (WHO) has halted medical evacuations of patients from the Gaza Strip following the death of a staff member, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
“WHO is devastated to confirm that a person contracted to provide services to the Organization in Gaza was killed today during a security incident … The incident is under investigation by the relevant authorities. Following the incident, WHO suspended today’s medical evacuation of patients from Gaza via Rafah to Egypt. Medical evacuations will remain suspended until further notice,” Ghebreyesus said on X on Monday.
He noted that two WHO staff members were at the scene of the incident, but they were not injured.
“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 added.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the total number of deaths in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has exceeded 72,000, with more than 171,000 people injured.
