WHO Halts Medical Evacuations From Gaza After Contractor Killed

GENEVA, April 7 (Bernama-dpa) -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) suspended medical evacuations out of the Gaza Strip at the Rafah border crossing on Monday due to the death of a contractor, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organisation was "devastated" to confirm that a contractor had been killed during a security incident.

"We extend our condolences to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of the deceased. The incident is under investigation by the relevant authorities," he wrote on the social media platform X.

Two WHO staff members were present but not injured, he added.

Medical evacuations of patients from Gaza via Rafah to Egypt had been suspended until further notice, he said.

"We are deeply grateful to our colleagues who work day and night despite the risks to ensure that the people of Gaza can access the health care they need," Tedros wrote.

"We call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers. Peace is the best medicine."

In view of the destruction of hospitals during the Israeli strikes against Hamas, Gazans are struggling to receive adequate care.

These include people with injuries sustained during the conflict, as well as the chronically ill and cancer patients.

Rafah is the only border crossing out of the Gaza Strip that does not run through Israeli territory.

The Israeli military took control of the Palestinian side of the crossing during its offensive in Gaza in May 2024. Since then, the border has been almost continuously closed. 

-- BERNAMA-dpa