Gaza City – The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that approximately 900 patients in the Gaza Strip have died while awaiting medical evacuation due to delays in obtaining necessary permits. The organization highlighted the critical situation facing thousands of patients in need of urgent medical care unavailable within the besieged territory.
According to the WHO, approximately 16,500 patients are currently awaiting approval for medical travel outside of Gaza. This includes an estimated 4,000 children whose lives are at immediate risk and require urgent evacuation. The ongoing collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system exacerbates the dire circumstances, leaving vulnerable patients with limited access to essential treatment.
The WHO has warned that any further delays in addressing these critical cases are tantamount to a death sentence. Hospitals within the Gaza Strip are reportedly operating at less than half capacity due to severe shortages of fuel, essential medicines, and vital medical supplies. This crippling of the healthcare infrastructure leaves many patients without recourse to adequate care.
Since May 2024, the WHO has conducted 119 evacuation missions, successfully transferring approximately 8,000 patients, including 5,500 children, for medical treatment outside of Gaza. Despite these efforts, thousands more patients continue to face an uncertain future as the healthcare system teeters on the brink of complete collapse. The organization continues to advocate for the expedited processing of medical permits and the provision of essential resources to alleviate the suffering of patients in Gaza.
The situation remains critical, with the WHO urging immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
