Who Welcomes First Evacuations From Gaza Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed its appreciation for the first evacuations of wounded patients out of the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the critical need for medical treatment for thousands of injured civilians and individuals with chronic illnesses in the region. Ambulances have transported wounded residents from Gaza to neighboring Egypt for urgent medical care amid the ongoing conflict, which began when Hamas militants crossed the border on October 7. According to Israeli officials, this conflict has resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,400 people, the majority of whom were civilians, and the kidnapping of at least 240 others, including children. The health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza has reported a grim toll, with nearly 8,800 people killed since the war's outbreak. This includes over 3,600 children, and more than 22,000 people have been wounded. The WHO's Eastern Mediterranean regional branch welcomed Egypt's decision to admit 81 injured and ill individuals from the Gaza Strip for medical treatment. Palestinian sources on the ground indicated that 88 patients were expected to be transported. Al-Arish Hospital, situated closest to the border, has been designated as the main first referral hospital for these patients. The facility is equipped with resuscitation and intensive care resources, as well as surgical teams capable of managing severe injuries, including major trauma and burns. The WHO also highlighted the presence of onward referral arrangements to second-line hospitals in Egypt. Despite the positive step of evacuations, the WHO stressed that thousands of seriously injured civilians within the Gaza Strip require immediate treatment. More than 1,000 patients depend on kidney dialysis, over 2,000 patients receive cancer therapy, 45,000 individuals have cardiovascular diseases, and more than 60,000 have diabetes. The organization emphasized the importance of sustained access to healthcare within Gaza, as well as the protection of hospitals and health facilities from military use and bombardment. Before October 7, approximately 100 patients per day required specialized healthcare treatment outside of the Gaza Strip due to the lack of such services within the territory. The WHO reiterated its call for urgent, accelerated access to humanitarian aid, encompassing fuel, water, food, and medical supplies, into and throughout the Gaza Strip. The organization also called for patients to have access to referral services outside Gaza, ultimately advocating for a humanitarian ceasefire to alleviate further suffering and loss.