WHO evacuates 97 patients from Gaza in biggest operation yet

The World Health Organisation said today it had evacuated 97 people including dozens of children from Gaza to the United Arab Emirates, calling for regular medical transfers out of the enclave to be allowed to resume, Reuters reports.

“This was the largest evacuation yet from Gaza since October 2023,” Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative for the occupied Palestinian territory told journalists, referring to an operation that took place last night.

“Gaza needs medical corridors. We need a better organised and sustained system,” he said, adding that over 10,000 Gazans were awaiting transfer.

“WHO, in collaboration with @mofauae and partners, today evacuated 97 sick and severely injured patients and 155 companions from #Gaza in the largest medical evacuation since October 2023,” WHO said in a tweet.

Patients included 45 children and 52 adults with a wide range of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, congenital anomalies, blood and liver diseases and trauma/injuries.

“A special mission to the north was conducted to ensure 8 patients and 12 companions were transferred from Gaza City to the European Gaza Hospital just in time for the evacuation,” it added.

It stressed: “Ultimately, the best care for all patients is a ceasefire.”

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.@WHO, in collaboration with @mofauae and partners, today evacuated 97 sick and severely injured patients and 155 companions from #Gaza in the largest medical evacuation since October 2023.

Patients were transported via Kerem Shalom to Ramon Airport in Israel for onward travel… pic.twitter.com/GtsNX990g2

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) September 11, 2024

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