The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning regarding the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that over 18,500 patients are in urgent need of medical evacuation. This announcement comes amid growing concerns about the severely strained healthcare system within the region.
According to the WHO, despite ongoing efforts to provide assistance, the scale of the need far exceeds the current capacity. Last week, the organization facilitated the evacuation of 18 patients and 36 accompanying individuals to Jordan, where they are receiving critical medical care for serious injuries and illnesses, including cancer.
“More than 18,500 patients, including an estimated 4,000 children, urgently require medical evacuation,” the WHO Director-General stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Since October 2023, over 10,700 patients from Gaza have been treated in more than 30 countries. However, this number represents only a fraction of those requiring immediate assistance.
The WHO is appealing to countries to open their doors to patients from Gaza and to resume medical evacuations to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The organization stresses that facilitating these evacuations is crucial to alleviating the immense human suffering within the region. The ongoing conflict and restricted access to essential medical supplies have exacerbated the already precarious health conditions in Gaza, leaving thousands vulnerable and in desperate need of specialized care that is currently unavailable within the territory. The situation demands immediate and concerted international action to prevent further loss of life and to provide much-needed relief to the affected population.
The WHO continues to work with partners on the ground to provide support and advocate for increased access to healthcare for all those in need.
