Reading time : 0 minutes
According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), medical evacuations in Gaza have stopped due to Israeli restrictions, resulting in the deaths of more than 900 Palestinian patients. The organization says that over 16,500 people, including around 4,000 children, are still waiting for permission to leave for medical treatment. WHO has warned that further delays would be like a “death sentence” for these patients.
Hospitals in Gaza are operating at less than half their capacity due to severe shortages of fuel, medicines, and equipment. Since May 2024, WHO has evacuated nearly 8,000 patients from Gaza through 119 medical missions, but thousands in critical condition remain trapped.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted that even after the ceasefire, the situation remains extremely difficult. He thanked the 30 countries that are accepting patients and appealed to other nations to help as well.
Meanwhile, UNRWA has accused Israel of blocking humanitarian aid despite the ceasefire, leaving people without adequate shelter in the cold. Heavy rainfall has worsened the situation, as thousands of tents have been flooded and displaced families are searching for safe places.