Geneva: Over 14,800 patients in Gaza are in urgent need of medical care that is currently unavailable within the enclave, according to an announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has facilitated the medical evacuation of 38 critically ill patients from Gaza, emphasizing the necessity for more countries to provide lifesaving treatment and to reestablish medical referral routes.
According to Anadolu Agency, the evacuation effort, supported by the European Union's humanitarian arm ECHO, included the transfer of 32 children and six adults. These patients were accompanied by 99 family members. The Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, disclosed that 25 children and six adults were transported to Italy, five children to Belgium, and two children to Trkiye for specialized medical care.
Tedros expressed gratitude to ECHO and various governments that have shown solidarity by offering specialized care to Gaza's critical patients. Despite these efforts, Tedros highlighted the ongoing crisis, with over 14,800 patients still in need of urgent medical treatment that cannot be provided within Gaza due to the ongoing conflict and the collapse of health services.
He urged additional countries to step in and offer support, while also calling for the restoration of referral routes to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Tedros further reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire, stating, "Peace is the best medicine."
The situation in Gaza has drawn international condemnation, with Israel facing severe criticism for its actions in the region. Since October 2023, it is reported that more than 61,700 individuals have lost their lives due to the conflict. Additionally, in November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.