WHO halts Gaza medical evacuations after contractor killed

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has announced the suspension of medical evacuations for patients from the Gaza Strip following the death of a person contracted to provide services to the Organization.

In a post on social media platform X, he said that the contractor was killed on Monday “as a result of a security incident” in Gaza. 

He added that two other WHO staff members were present at the scene but were not injured. 

Tedros said that the incident is under investigation by the relevant authorities.   

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“Following the incident, WHO has today suspended medical evacuation of patients from Gaza via Rafah to Egypt. Medical evacuations will remain suspended until further notice,” he announced.   

“We extend our condolences to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of the deceased. 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,” Tedros said.  

The UN health’s chief called for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.”

According to figures from the health ministry in Gaza, the total number of deaths in the enclave since 7 October 2023 has exceeded 72,000, with more than 171,000 people injured.

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