The World Health Organization has suspended medical evacuations from Gaza to Egypt via the Rafah crossing after a contractor was killed by Israeli troops on Monday. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed the contractor, named locally as Majdi Aslan, 54, was killed in a 'security incident' while driving a vehicle under the organization's contract. He mentioned that two WHO staff were present at the time but were not injured. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry stated that the vehicle was hit while transporting patients.
Israeli military officials reported their troops fired upon an unmarked vehicle approaching them, considering it a threat, and noted that warning shots were first issued before further fire was directed towards the vehicle.
As a result of the incident, Tedros announced the immediate suspension of medical evacuations from Gaza until further notice, calling for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers. WHO regional director Hanan Balkhy condemned the contractor's death as a 'devastating loss' and warned that the cessation of evacuations obstructs critical medical assistance for patients in need.
At least 18,000 patients remain on waitlists for medical treatment outside Gaza, indicating the urgent need for operational pathways for health services amidst the ongoing conflict. The Rafah crossing has faced restrictions, reopening temporarily for limited movement only after significant closures due to the resurgence of violence in the region. Both Israel and Hamas continue to accuse each other of violating ceasefires previously established, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Israeli military officials reported their troops fired upon an unmarked vehicle approaching them, considering it a threat, and noted that warning shots were first issued before further fire was directed towards the vehicle.
As a result of the incident, Tedros announced the immediate suspension of medical evacuations from Gaza until further notice, calling for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers. WHO regional director Hanan Balkhy condemned the contractor's death as a 'devastating loss' and warned that the cessation of evacuations obstructs critical medical assistance for patients in need.
At least 18,000 patients remain on waitlists for medical treatment outside Gaza, indicating the urgent need for operational pathways for health services amidst the ongoing conflict. The Rafah crossing has faced restrictions, reopening temporarily for limited movement only after significant closures due to the resurgence of violence in the region. Both Israel and Hamas continue to accuse each other of violating ceasefires previously established, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
